'Federer-Agassi generated enormous media coverage in 2005' – Dubai

In an exclusive interview with Tennis World USA, the Dubai Open Tournament Director recalled the exhibition match played by and on a plane in Dubai back in 2005.

Talhak admitted that it helped a lot to promote the tournament that first took place in 1993. The plane on the helipad was a fun activity that both players enjoyed and which generated enormous media coverage for Dubai, for the tournament and of course for the iconic Burj Al Arab, said Talhak.

We cannot say that it was the greatest off-court achievement of the tournament, it is probably the one that most people remember as the images were quite spectacular. However, Dubai has many great attractions which we highlight each year with our players.

The main thing is to choose an activity that is fun and that the player enjoys, which always result in great pictures and video which are then featured internationally. Talhak looks forward to welcoming Federer back in the United Arab Emirates again.

The Swiss won seven titles there and he committed to the event after not playing there in 2018. Roger loves playing in Dubai, so it is never a challenge to bring him back to a tournament that he clearly enjoys, Talhak told Tennis World USA when asked about the challenges of bringing Federer back in the tournament.

Roger has a base here and trains here regularly, he is a great friend of the tournament having won seven times and played 13 times. He often says this is one of his favourite tournaments and we are happy to welcome him back this year.

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