We are happy that Roger is back, says DDF’s McLoughlin
dubai — More than 27 years ago, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, dreamed of staging a worldclass tennis tournament in Dubai.
Colin McLoughlin’s vision and the tireless efforts of the Dubai Duty Free team eventually gave the regions its first premier tennis tournament.
Now as the 27th edition of the men’s tournament begins on Monday, Roger Federer, a seven-time Dubai champion, stands on cusp of winning his 100th career title, having missed one of his favourite tournaments last year.
“We are very, very happy that Roger is back,” McLoughlin told Khaleej Times during an interview.
“As you know he has won this tournament seven times. Also he is going for his 100th professional win on the Tour. I am sure he will make every effort to do that as soon as possible.
“I am very happy he is back because he has been a very good representative and a very good unofficial ambassador for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for many years.”
But Federer faces a dangerous first round opponent in Philipp Kohlschreiber — the veteran German who reached the Dubai semifinals in 2014.
“I think it will be a terrific match because they are both very good players. I am not sure who will win if you ask me to pick the winner. So we have to wait and see what happens,” McLoughlin said.
Apart from top seed Kei Nishiko- ri and Federer, the other big attraction in the men’s week is Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas who also played here last year.
The 20-year-old shotmaker stunned Federer in the Australian Open fourth-round before losing to Rafael Nadal in the semifinal.
“There is a very good buzz going around about the young man that beat Roger Federer at the Australian Open,” McLoughlin said.
“And the young man has gone so far in a Grand Slam. I am thrilled he’s here. He is only 20 years of age. I am sure he is going to come for many, many years.”
McLoughlin was also pleased with the quality of tennis in the women’s tournament that saw the unseeded Swiss Belinda Bencic’s fairytale return to titlewinning form.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the women’s week. You know we had nine of the top players participating,” he said. “And we had some tremendous matches. I think the standard of the ladies tennis has got better and better every year.”