ATP Dubai 2026 Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Streaming Info

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22 Feb 2026
Site Editor 22 Feb 2026
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  • With Sinner and Alcaraz resting, the draw opens for seeded players
  • ATP 500 event requires players to win five matches to claim the title
  • Watch live via top bookmakers; an exciting chance for underdogs to shine
ATP Dubai
Andrey Rublev in action against Alexander Bublik in their semifinal match during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in 2024. (credit: Getty)
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has long been a proving ground for elite champions. Legends such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have dominated here in the past, setting a high benchmark on the quick outdoor hard courts in Dubai. However, the 2026 edition presents a very different dynamic. 

With top players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz opting to rest this week, the draw has opened up significantly. Former champions and proven hard court performers such as Félix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev now find themselves with a genuine opportunity to capitalise.

Tournament Overview & Format

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is an ATP 500 event played on quick outdoor hard courts at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Staged from 23 to 28 February 2026, it remains one of the strongest non Masters tournaments on the calendar and a key stop during the Middle East swing.

Draw & Format 
  • Singles Draw: 32 players 
  • Doubles Draw: 16 teams 
  • Match Format: Best of three sets 
  • Seeds: 8 seeded players 
  • Matches to Win Title: 5

With no first round byes and a compact six day schedule, contenders must be sharp from the opening match. The fast surface, short turnaround between rounds and evening sessions under the lights often create tight scorelines and fine margins throughout the week.

Ranking Points & Prize Money Breakdown

As an ATP 500 event, Dubai offers valuable points that can make a significant impact on player standings early in the season.

ATP Ranking Points (Singles)
ResultRanking Points
Winner500
Finalist330
Semi-finalist200
Quarter-finalist100
Round of 1650
First Round0
Prize money figures are based on previous editions and are subject to official confirmation for 2026, but they reflect Dubai’s status as one of the more lucrative ATP 500 tournaments.

Prize Money Breakdown (Singles – Approx.)
RoundPrize Money (USD)
Winner$605,530
Finalist$325,780
Semi-finalist$173,620
Quarter-finalist$88,700
Round of 16$47,350
First Round$25,250

Venue & Playing Conditions

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is staged at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, where quick outdoor hard courts combine with warm desert weather to produce fast paced, first strike tennis. Short rallies, high service hold rates and strong first serve numbers are typical, especially during evening sessions under the floodlights. 

Dry conditions and controlled wind levels keep play relatively clean, while the lively surface rewards aggressive baseliners and big servers who can dominate with the first ball.

FactorDetails
VenueDubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai
SurfaceOutdoor Hard (Acrylic)
Court SpeedQuick
First Serve Points Won73.6% (5 year avg)
Service Holds82.4% (5 year avg)
Aces per Game0.61
Tiebreaks per Set0.19
Day Temperature28–31°C
Night Temperature19–21°C
Humidity45–60% daytime, 65–75% overnight
WindLight to moderate

Top Seeds

With the draw opening up this year, several established names have a clear opportunity to take advantage of the quick conditions and make a deep run.

SeedPlayerCountryCurrent Rank
1Félix Auger-AliassimeCanada7
2Alexander BublikKazakhstan10
3Daniil MedvedevRussia11
4Jack DraperGreat Britain12
5Andrey RublevRussia14
6Jakub MensikCzech Republic16
7Karen KhachanovRussia17
8Jiri LeheckaCzech Republic22

Past Champions

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has consistently crowned elite winners, from all-time greats to established hard court specialists. With quick conditions rewarding aggressive tennis, recent finals have largely been decided in straight sets by players taking control early.

YearChampionRunner-upScore
2025Stefanos TsitsipasFélix Auger-Aliassime6–3, 6–3
2024Ugo HumbertAlexander Bublik6–4, 6–3
2023Daniil MedvedevAndrey Rublev6–2, 6–2
2022Andrey RublevJiří Veselý6–3, 6–4
2021Aslan KaratsevLloyd Harris6–3, 6–2
2020Novak DjokovicStefanos Tsitsipas6–3, 6–4
2019Roger FedererStefanos Tsitsipas6–4, 6–4

Players to Watch

Félix Auger-Aliassime ★★★★☆
Auger-Aliassime returns to Dubai with unfinished business after finishing runner-up last year. Now the top seed in a more open field, he has a clear pathway to go one step further. His serve and first strike game are perfectly suited to these quick courts, and he arrives fresh with momentum behind him.

Andrey Rublev ★★★☆☆
A former champion here, Rublev has consistently delivered strong results during the Middle East swing. His aggressive baseline game and ability to dictate early in rallies make him a constant threat in Dubai. With confidence building after a solid week in Doha, he looks well positioned for another deep run.

Daniil Medvedev ★★☆☆☆
A hard court specialist and previous Dubai champion, Medvedev owns an excellent record in this region. His form has fluctuated at times this season, but on his day he remains one of the most difficult players to break down on quick surfaces. If his focus and motivation align, he is absolutely a contender.

Stefanos Tsitsipas ★☆☆☆☆
The defending champion returns under very different circumstances this time. Tsitsipas has not looked convincing enough recently to be considered an automatic title threat, even at lower levels. However, his comfort at this venue commands respect, and handling the pressure of defending will be a major storyline to watch.

How to Watch ATP Dubai 2026 Live (Free)

No cable? No problem. All you need is a betting account and a screen. ATP Dubai is streamed live in HD by top bookmakers — no extra subscription needed.

🎬 Quick Setup in 30 Seconds: 
1️⃣ Sign up at [Stake] or [bet365]
2️⃣ Deposit $1 or equivalent (no need to place a bet right away) 
3️⃣ Go to Live Tennis → ATP Dubai → Hit “Watch Live” 
That’s it. You’re watching Main Court live from anywhere. 

Verdict

With the draw wide open, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Andrey Rublev, and Daniil Medvedev stand out as the strongest outright picks given their hard court pedigree and proven record in Dubai. 

In contrast, defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas looks vulnerable and could be worth opposing in the early rounds, especially against confident and capable underdogs with form on quick courts.

Best Bet1: Felix Auger-Aliassime Tournament Winner @595.00 at Stake.com - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Andrey Rublev Tournament Winner @1200.0 at Stake.com - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Daniil Medvedev Tournament Winner @710.00 at Stake.com - 1 Unit
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Tournament Winner
@595.00 - 2 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
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Andrey Rublev
Tournament Winner
@1200.0 - 2 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
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Daniil Medvedev
Tournament Winner
@710.00 - 1 Unit
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com