The WTA 1000 event in Dubai is upon us, and even though some of the biggest names won’t be competing this year, the field is still stacked with elite players ready to put on a show.

The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has a long tradition of top-tier champions, and this edition looks set to continue that trend.

Elena Rybakina is the favorite according to tennis odds, but on the other hand, we all know how interesting and exciting the ladies’ part of the draw is and how many sensations it provides. Elina Svitolina, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova are all waiting for their shot and an opportunity not only to reach 1000 points but also to get a hefty check that brings more than $600,000.

WTA Dubai 1000 Masters Facts

  • Top performer: Justin Henin 4 titles
  • Latest champion: Mirra Andreeva
  • Prize money: poll $4,088,211
  • Winner’s money: $605,530 for the winner

WTA Dubai 1000 Masters Preview

Last year’s winner, Mirra Andreeva, returns to defend her title. She had a breakthrough run that saw her lift the trophy and establish herself as one of the tour’s brightest young stars on the tour. As the defending champion and the fifth seed, Andreeva starts in the second round thanks to a first-round bye, which is a perk given to the highest-ranked players.

Even without Sabalenka and Swiatek, who are skipping the event, the lineup is far from weak. Elena Rybakina is in Dubai. The Kazakh player comes fresh off a strong Australian Open campaign, sitting atop the seedings, being the top favorite to win this title. Ranked third in the world and having a huge momentum, she’s a player who can dominate from the baseline and has proven she can handle the pressure of big matches.

Joining Rybakina as top contenders for the title are Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova, both of whom are capable of deep runs if they bring their best tennis. Their combination of consistency and aggression makes them dangerous opponents for anyone in this draw.

Meanwhile, veterans like Jessica Pegula and Elina Svitolina bring experience and fight, and could easily upset higher-ranked foes if their form clicks at the right time. Don’t forget, Svitolina is the two-time champion here, and she knows how things work in Dubai, which can be a huge plus in certain situations. Paolini was the winner in 2024, and she too feels like home here.

WTA Dubai 1000 Masters Odds and Predictions

Rybakina sits as the favourite in the outright betting, followed by Gauff and Anisimova at slightly longer odds. Andreeva’s number means she’s respected as a threat, but many see her price as generous given her title defence and comfort on these hard courts. For more tennis odds, click here.

One intriguing angle is Svitolina, whose odds look enticing to some. As stated, the Ukrainian had good results in Dubai before. She didn’t perform well in Doha, but Svitolina reached the semis in Melbourne, defeating Andreeva and Coco Gauff before falling to Sabalenka. Her experience could make her a real dark-horse candidate for anyone looking for value in the futures markets. But only as a dark horse, nothing more.

Overall, we would bet on Rybakina to win the title. The Kazakh player won’t face Sabalenka and Swiatek, who are realistically the only two players who can go toe-to-toe with her in high-stakes matches.

 

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