Andy Murray has been awarded a wild card into the main draw in Dubai, the tournament announced. Murray, 35, is set to make his eighth appearance on the hard courts in Dubai. Murray’s best result in Dubai came in 2017, when he defeated Fernando Verdasco in the final to lift his first title at the tournament.
Murray also enjoyed a very good run in Dubai in 2012, reaching the final before losing to Roger Federer. The Dubai event is in the ATP 500 class and is scheduled to start on February 27. Murray, ranked 61st in the world, is looking forward to Dubai as he hopes to pick up some points and improve his ranking.
“Going back to Dubai brings back a lot of good memories, especially 2017 and the final with Fernando. My form is improving and my game is improving, so the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships gives me another great opportunity to continue climbing the rankings.» Murray said in his statement, for the tournament website.
Dubai organizers look forward to hosting Murray
“We are delighted to welcome Andy back to Dubai. Everyone knows how important a figure he is in British tennis and, as we have seen from the previous seven times he has competed in our event, he always attracts a strong and passionate support base.
He accepted our wild card last year and he was a credit to the tournament and we are very pleased that he accepted our wild card once again,» said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Dubai event. Meanwhile, Murray is coming off an Open from Australia, presentation of the third round.
At Melbourne Park, Murray pulled off thrilling five-setter back-to-back victories over Matteo Berrettini and Thanasi Kokkinakis before coming up just short against Roberto Bautista Agut. It remains to be seen if former world number 1 Murray can turn back the clock and make a deep run in Dubai in late February/early March.
