Khalaf Al Habtoor, the Founding Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group of Companies, praised the annual celebration of tennis during the conclusion of the 28th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge. This event highlights the growth and popularity of women’s tennis in the UAE and the Arab region.
The tournament crowned Croatia’s Petra Marcinko as the champion after her impressive 6-3, 6-3 victory over former world No. 2 Vera Zvonareva. Marcinko’s win marks her as a notable competitor, having also triumphed in the Fujairah W75 Championships the previous weekend. Throughout the event, the young athlete showcased her skill and determination, joining previous champions such as Sorana Cirstea and Ana Bogdan, among others.
Initially starting as a $25,000 tournament, the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge evolved into a $100,000+H competition in 2016, enhancing its status on the ITF Women’s Circuit. Each year, the tournament aims to elevate women’s tennis, promoting the sport within the region while encouraging up-and-coming players.
Al Habtoor underscored the tournament’s significance, stating, “This tournament is an annual celebration of tennis. I enjoy this event myself, and the idea always is to keep ourselves happy through sport.” He expressed excitement over the tournament’s continuous growth and the improvements made to enhance the competition experience.
Zvonareva, who received a wild card entry into the event even at 41 years old, expressed satisfaction with her performance despite her runner-up position. She reflected on her competitive spirit and acknowledged the opportunity to face top players, mentioning, “It’s been a great week for me personally. Honestly, I have no results whatsoever. Things have happened just the way I had wanted.”
When asked about her future in the sport, Zvonareva mentioned the need to recover before making a decision about resuming her professional career, indicating she remains uncertain about returning to the tour.
Marcinko, who recently celebrated her 20th birthday, was elated with her championship win. She reminisced about her earlier success in junior tournaments, stating, “To come and accomplish the same feat all over again on the women’s circuit is something special for me.” Her performance elevated her WTA ranking from No. 103 to No. 82, securing her entry into the main draw at the upcoming Australian Open.
Looking ahead, Marcinko expressed her ambitions for the Grand Slams, highlighting the importance of her recent victory for her ranking points. She stated, “Dubai is my favourite and it has certainly played a role,” affirming her commitment to returning for next year’s tournament.
This annual event not only celebrates the sport but also serves as a vital platform for female athletes in the region, contributing to the overall development of tennis in the UAE.