Magnificent Monday kicks off ATP Week in Dubai

Novak Djokovic will be just one of the Centre Court superstar attractions when the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships kicks off its 30th anniversary celebrations on Monday.

The ATP 500 week explodes into action at 2:00 pm when 2014 US Open winner Marin Cilic opens proceedings against Jiří Veselý.

Victory would set him up for a possible clash with former Dubai champion Roberto Bautista Agut, who claimed his 10th career title in Doha recently.

The second match of the day will feature the always popular Malek Jaziri, who in 2018 reached the semi-finals before falling to eventual champion Bautista Agut.

The tournament wildcard will face an intriguing challenge against Filip Krajinovic, who recently reached the semi-finals in Montpellier.

Fans could not wish for a better first evening of the tournament, as former world number one and 2017 Dubai champion Andy Murray takes to the court against another qualifier, Christopher O'Connell (not before 7:00 pm).

The final match of a blockbuster opening day features world number one and five-time Dubai champion Novak Djokovic against tournament wild card Lorenzo Musetti, who will be hoping to catch his opponent cold after the 20-time Grand Slam winner takes to the courts for the first time since leading Serbia to the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in November.

"We are delighted that the 30th anniversary of the ATP tournament will begin with so many attractive matches which are certain to provide great entertainment for those attending," said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free.

"With 100 per cent capacity once again allowed, the atmosphere will be electric and we eagerly look forward to a fantastic week of top class entertainment," said Tournament Director Salah Tahlak.

Magnificent Monday: The 30th anniversary of the ATP 500 week explodes into action with Djokovic and Murray making appearances on the opening night.

Be part of the thrill, buy your tickets now - link in bio pic.twitter.com/Pxne6CrQXh

— Dubai Tennis Champs (@DDFTennis) February 20, 2022