Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The 28th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge will take place from December 1 to 7 at the Habtoor Grande Resort in Dubai, organisers confirmed. This annual tournament will feature 80 players competing in both singles and doubles events, promising high-level action for tennis fans. The event has grown into one of the key fixtures on the WTA 125 calendar, attracting international players and past champions alike.
Among the confirmed entries, Ukrainian Daria Snigur, a former champion who won the singles crown in 2021 and finished runner-up in 2019, is the only previous titleholder returning this year. Snigur’s recent performances, especially on grass courts at Wimbledon and Nottingham in 2024, make her one of the favourites for the trophy. She also reached the main draw of the Australian Open, showing her consistency at the highest level.
Leading the field is Austrian Julia Grabher, currently ranked No.92 in the world. Grabher enjoyed a strong 2025 season, winning her second WTA 125 title at the Florianopolis Open in Brazil in October, defeating Carole Monnet in the final. Her return to the top 100 highlights her excellent form heading into Dubai.
Latvia’s Darja Semenistaja, ranked No.94, is another top contender. Semenistaja made her Grand Slam debut at the US Open this year, where she lost in the first round to Peyton Stearns. Despite the early exit, she climbed into the top 100 at world No.90 after winning the Les Franqueses del Valles W100 event in October 2025.
Hungary’s Dalma Galfi, the 2015 ITF Junior World Champion, has had a successful 2025 season as well. She won her first WTA 125 title at the Oeiras Ladies Open in April, followed by another victory at the WTA 125 Catalonia Open. Her solid form and experience make her a player to watch in Dubai.
Other top entrants include Anastasia Zakharova of Russia, ranked No.101, and Austria’s Sinja Kraus, ranked No.105, completing the top-five field. These players bring depth and competitiveness to the tournament, ensuring exciting matches for fans and high-quality tennis throughout the week.
The tournament has a rich history of champions, including former Grand Slam winners and notable players such as Sorana Cirstea (2020), Ana Bogdan (2019), Peng Shuai (2018), Belinda Bencic (2017), Kimiko Date-Krumm (2012), Sania Mirza (2010), Maria Kirilenko (2007), Kateryna Bondarenko (2006), Marion Bartoli (2005), Jelena Jankovic (2003), and the inaugural winner Kyra Nagy (1998). Their participation over the years has helped the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge earn a prestigious reputation on the international tennis calendar.
The singles qualifying rounds will begin on November 30, while the main draw for singles matches will start on December 1. Fans can expect thrilling action across multiple days, with top-seeded players competing for ranking points and the championship trophy.
The 28th edition of the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge promises to deliver competitive matches, emerging talents, and exciting moments, making it a must-watch event for tennis enthusiasts in Dubai and around the world.
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