In Dubai, I feel like I’m playing on my home turf

Kazakhstani Elena Rybakina, ranked third in the world, who was crowned last month with the Australian Open title, expressed her happiness at returning again to the “Dubai Tennis” tournament for professional players, and her endeavor to raise “Dallah Dubai” and join the golden list of crowned champions.
The day after tomorrow, Tuesday, Rybakina will launch her career in the “Dubai Tennis Championship” for professional women’s players, which began its 26th edition today, Sunday, at the “Dubai Duty Free” courts, with a total of $4.08 million in prizes, and is classified in the 1000 points category, amid ambitions for the Kazakh star to embrace her first title in Dubai, after her first attempt in the 2020 edition, during which she settled for second place.
Rybakina said today, during press conferences for major stars: “I really love Dubai. I was training and preparing for the 2026 season on these stadiums, and those concerned here are always renewing the floors, and everything here is familiar to me. It is good for me to play here, as I love this tournament, and I love the atmosphere that accompanies it.”
She explained: “I feel like I am playing on my home turf, and this is always a wonderful thing.” Today was my first training after the Doha Championship, and I am looking forward to my first match.”
She added: “I generally have a busy time in Dubai, and I have not yet had the opportunity to see the new stadium and the improvements that have been made to Court No. 1. It was wonderful, immediately after finishing the Doha competitions, to return home here again. “There are some things to do, and lots of places for activities.”
Regarding the busy schedule of tournaments that she played in 2026, and approaching the top of the world rankings, Rybakina said: “I did not have enough time to celebrate after winning the Australian Open championship, as I returned home and had a mild cold that kept me in bed for several days, then I went directly to Doha, and today I return again to Dubai to participate in its tournament.”
She concluded: “Certainly my goal is to strive for the top spot in the world rankings, but it depends on the performance of the other players and the expected results.” The season is very long, and I know there is no way to stop, and I always have to improve my performance every day. We have many championships, and we as players must continue to strive and develop.”