World number five Samantha Stosur got a glimpse of one of the city’s newest icons with a visit to Meydan Racecourse ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Stosur was particularly impressed with the Meydan Grandstand – a building which stretches out a total of 1.6km, including the boathouse and receiving barns.
With a capacity of 60,000, this landmark stadium houses the world’s first luxury 5-star trackside hotel, The Meydan, breeding and training facilities, the Meydan Museum and Gallery, an IMAX Theatre, the Dubai Racing Club and Emirates Racing Authority office.
“This is a very impressive facility. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it,” said Stosur. “Dubai never fails to come up with new and innovative things – that’s why we all like coming and playing here each year in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” she added.
“Sam has made remarkable progress since focusing more on singles than doubles,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “We are looking forward to seeing what he can achieve here in Dubai,” he added.
As one of the top seeds, Stosur has been handed a bye in the first round and will come up against the winner of the clash between Sara Errani of Italy and qualifier Zuzana Kucova of Slovakia in the second.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play begins on February 14th with the WTA Tour event and continues with the ATP tournament from February 21st that includes Australian Open and reigning Dubai champion Novak Djokovic, four-time Dubai winner Roger Federer and Australian Open finalist Andy Murray.
Topics: Samantha Stosur