Dubai set to welcome world's greatest tennis stars

A host of world-class tennis players are set to take part in a prestigious tournament in the UAE next month.Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will both compete at the 2013 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship between February 18th and March 2nd.Swiss sensation Federer emerged victorious in the 2012 event and he will be looking to retain his crown this time around.Federer will face some tough opposition, as the likes of Juan Martin Del Potro, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych and Janko Tipsarevic are expected to take to the court in the UAE.In the women's event, defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska will come up against world number one Victoria Azarenka and US superstar Serena Williams.Nine of the top ten ranked females on the planet will participate in what is sure to be a thrilling competition.Executive vice chairman of Dubai Duty Free Colm McLoughlin said he is delighted to be welcoming the world's finest tennis players to the UAE once again."With the men's and women's world number one players here, along with the current holders of five Grand Slam crowns and both defending champions from last year, Dubai tennis fans are set for a sporting treat second to none," he remarked.Tickets for the event will go on sale at the Dubai Tennis Stadium's Box Office on January 14th.This is just one of many fantastic sporting occasions to be held in the Gulf this year.Some of the world's top golfers will also descend on the UAE later this month for the highly anticipated Dubai Desert Classic.The European Tour-accredited event will run from January 31st until February 3rd and the organisers of the tournament are offering $2.5 million in prize money.Another highlight in the nation's sporting calendar is the Dubai World Cup Carnival.The horse racing extravaganza takes place at the Meydan Racecourse and it always proves to be one of the most prestigious and thrilling meetings in the world.