Amid first-round matches and title ambitions, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka stepped away from the court this week to experience Ramadan hospitality in Dubai, joining an Iftar gathering during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The two former Dubai champions attended the evening with Tournament Director Salah Tahlak, sharing a meal that marked the daily breaking of the fast observed by Muslims during the holy month. Tsitsipas’ parents also joined the dinner, which took place at a beachfront venue on Palm Jumeirah.
For Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner and the 2016 Dubai champion, the evening offered a chance to connect beyond competition. “It’s about sharing cultures,” he said. “That’s one of the beautiful things about tennis. We travel the world, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience traditions like this.”
Wawrinka, who is widely expected to be playing the final season of his professional career after more than two decades on tour, said such moments often leave a lasting impression. “These experiences stay with you,” he added.
Tsitsipas, the reigning Dubai champion, echoed that view. Wearing traditional Emirati attire for the evening, he described cultural exchange as one of the privileges of life on tour. “It’s a blessing that we get to travel the world and explore so many cultures,” he said. “That’s one of the best parts of our job.”
While the tournament remains a key stop on the ATP calendar, events like this highlight Dubai’s broader role as a global host city. Each year, the championships attract top-ranked players and international audiences. However, organizers also use the platform to showcase local customs and community traditions.
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, emphasizes reflection, charity and shared meals at sunset. By participating in Iftar, visiting athletes gain firsthand exposure to the cultural rhythms of the region. In turn, such interactions reinforce Dubai’s image as a city that blends elite sport with cross-cultural engagement.
The ATP 500 event runs from 23 to 28 February at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and features eight of the world’s top 20 players, along with five former champions. Nevertheless, beyond ranking points and prize money, moments of Ramadan hospitality in Dubai offer players a different kind of takeaway — one rooted not in trophies, but in shared tradition.
As the tournament progresses, the gathering serves as a reminder that international sport often extends beyond competition, creating space for cultural understanding alongside athletic excellence.
