World No4 and top-seed Daniil Medvedev was drawn against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships ATP event.
Shevchenko, who attended the draw. “Can we redo the draw?” joked the World No. 45, “Obviously, it’s difficult to play him here in Dubai, where he won last year. Hopefully, he will play below his average when we meet – let’s hope. It’s always great to be back in Dubai, a tournament with a big history. It’s a pleasure to play here.”
The Official Draw event was also attended by Jiri Lehecka, winner of the ATP 250 Adelaide International last month. The Czech will play a qualifier in the opening round.
Meanwhile, 12 years after losing to Roger Federer in the Dubai final and seven years after defeating Spain’s Fernando Verdasco to lift the tournament’s iconic silver dhow trophy, Andy Murray is back in Dubai.
The Scotsman currently ranked No. 50 in the world, faces a first-round tie with Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, the World No. 121.
Other highlight matches in the Round of 32 see 18-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik, who contests a maiden ATP Tour final in Doha today, square off against World No. 31 Borna Coric.
Mensik’s opponent in the Qatar final, Karen Khachanov, is the World No. 17 and fourth seed in Dubai. He must navigate a tricky tie with Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, who will chase revenge after losing to Khachanov in the Doha semis.
With World No. 8 and third seed Hubert Hurkacz facing German World No. 25 Jan-Lennard Struff, there is also an eye-catching all-French affair between Ugo Humbert, the World No. 18 and No. 5 seed in Dubai, and 37-year-old wildcard recipient, Gael Monfils.
The tournament’s second seed, World No. 5 Rublev, a beaten finalist here last year, will start his quest for a second Dubai crown against China’s Zhang Zhizhen, the World No. 47.
“This year marks the 32nd anniversary of our ATP tournament in Dubai, and I am delighted that the Tour has been with us on this exciting journey for so many years,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free.
“We welcomed more than 40,000 spectators to the WTA 1000 tournament last week, and we are confident that number will be surpassed as we welcome the ATP back to Dubai.”
Announcing the event’s three wild card players – Sumit Nagal, the No. 1-ranked player in India and World No. 101; 20-year-old Jordanian Abdullah Shelbayh; and Monfils – Salah Talak, Joint-COO of Dubai Duty Free and Tournament Director of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, added: “I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Abdullah play in Dubai for the first time. He’s playing really well, and he is an inspirational example that can help progress tennis across the Arab World.” The Official Draw was led by ATP Supervisor Ahmed Abdel-Azim, who has been involved with the tournament for 25 years. He was joined by McLoughlin, Talak, and Nasser Yousef Al-Marzouqi, Secretary General of the UAE Tennis Federation.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
