Away from the intensity of competition at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, former Dubai champions Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka shared a meaningful cultural moment as they joined an Iftar gathering in Dubai, embracing local traditions and the spirit of Ramadan.
Hosted by Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director at Dubai Duty Free Salah Tahlak, the two players, along with Tsitsipas’ parents, attended a special evening at Bakalís – Greek Grill Taverna at TH8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, Vignette Collection.
Reflecting on the experience, Wawrinka highlighted the importance of sharing traditions beyond the tennis court.
“Being here tonight is really special,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion and 2016 Dubai title-holder. “We’re very grateful to be invited to share this moment, especially with family. It’s about sharing cultures, and that’s one of the beautiful things about tennis. We travel the world, meet people from different backgrounds, and get the chance to experience traditions like this.”
Wawrinka, who is contesting what is expected to be the final season of his professional career after more than two decades on tour, added that such moments are among the most personal and memorable parts of life on the circuit.
“It’s something very meaningful for me,” he said. “These experiences stay with you.”
Tsitsipas, the reigning Dubai champion, echoed the sentiment, underlining how cultural exploration has become one of the great privileges of his career. Wearing traditional Emirati attire for the evening, the Greek star described it as a personal and familiar gesture, having done so previously at a players’ event in Dubai.
“I really enjoy moments like this,” Tsitsipas said
“It’s a blessing that we get to travel the world and explore so many cultures. That’s one of the best parts of our job: Meeting people and learning from different traditions.”
He also paid tribute to his fellow diner, noting Wawrinka’s longevity and success on tour. “Stan has been doing this for many, many years,” he added. “I’ve also been on tour for a long time now, and I hope to learn as much as I can from this journey and from players like him.”
The evening offered a reminder that, alongside world-class competition, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continues to provide players with opportunities to connect with the city’s culture and community, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a truly global sporting destination.
The ATP 500 men’s tournament at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships runs from 23–28 February at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, featuring eight of the world’s top 20 and five former champions. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from Dh65.