February 28, 2017 – DUBAI, UAE:  Some of the best young tennis players from across the UAE took part in the ATP Tennis Emirates Coaching Clinic this morning at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The excited group was joined by doubles players, John Peers from Australia and Horia Tecău from Romania. The players had a practice session with the budding tennis stars and gave them some invaluable advice and top tips for the future. 

Speaking of his experience at the clinic and of the tournament Tecău said: “The kids’ clinic is a nice way of giving back to the community, they were enjoying the practice session and you can tell they felt motivated by playing with professionals - we know how important it is to them. 

“The players love being here for the tournament, the weather is nice, the location is convenient and everything is here on-site. We get good crowds and it’s a competitive tournament, it’s a big tournament to win, everyone is motivated to come here and win.” 

Peers said: “The tournament does a really good job of getting a good number of kids out to not only support the tournament but also enjoy some interaction with the players. The kids here get to do something which as a child you always dreamt of doing - playing with some of the world’s best. To be able to give back to these kids is also great, you see the joy on their faces and it brings you back to when you were a child.”

Tournament Director, Salah Talak said: “We are grateful that children from across the UAE have the opportunity to interact with some of the best players in the tournament. We continuously aim to encourage participation in the game and sessions like these are the perfect platform for them, it brings the game alive and they get a glimpse into what it really takes to be a professional tennis player.”

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, said: “Working with the local community is a key aspect of what we do, and as we celebrate our 25th anniversary we are reminded of how important it is to create a legacy from the event. The children always look forward to this day and we will continue to make sure they are inspired for many years to come.”

Play in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continues until 4th March and includes Wimbledon, Olympic and ATP World Tour Finals champion and world number one Andy Murray, Australian Open champion and seven-time Dubai winner Roger Federer, defending Dubai champion and reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka, two-time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych and the entertaining Gael Monfils.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free, and held under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Tickets are still available from the Box Office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud which opens from 9am to 9pm daily.