Meeting Of Stars Before Men's Open Commences

© Barclays Dubai Tennis ChampionshipsMarin Cilic, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray pose in front of the Burj Al Arab on Sunday afternoon.

Djokovic, Murray & in-form Cilic talk up their chances prior to Men’s Open

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, World No. 4 Andy Murray and 2010's in-form player Marin Cilic descended upon the renowned Burj Al Arab hotel on Sunday to discuss their chances ahead of tomorrow's Men's Open at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships.

Despite his disappointment at having to withdraw from the tournament due to a lung infection, four-time Dubai champion and World Number 1 Roger Federer showed his continued support for the region’s leading tennis Championships by talking to media too.

The Championships begins tomorrow with a fantastic lineup for fans, with the top two seeds Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray both on Centre Court during the evening session, for which tickets are still available.

Watch Live Online

“Defending a title is a task I still have to achieve and I need to do that in my career,” said Djokovic.

“I’m really excited about the tournament because I’ve been playing well here the last three years, winning last year. Of course this year, the tournament is even stronger and I just hope to perform as well as I did last year."

And Djokovic was also delighted to be back at the tournament, which is globally-renowned for treating the players well, and excited to be back staying at the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel.

“Staying in a hotel such as this gives you more motivation, of course, to finish practice and come back to it afterwards.

“For sure this is the best hotel I’ve been in, in my entire career,” he added.

Play at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, which 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, continues with the ATP tournament from 22 February.