Two of the favourites for this week’s tournament face nightmare first round draws when the tournament gets underway on Monday.
Second seed and seven-time Dubai champion Roger Federer, who is bidding to win a 100th ATP tour title here this week, is up against the experienced Philip Kohlschreiber – a player who has won eight titles on the circuit.
Meanwhile in the match of the round, third seed Marin Cilic, back in Dubai after an eight-year absence, takes on the flamboyant Frenchman Gael Monfils.
Semenyo magic hands Man City 1-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo produced a moment of magic to win the FA Cup on Saturday, a 1-0 victory over Chelsea completing an English cup double for Pep Guardiola's side.
Chelsea agree deal with Alonso to take over as head coach, reports say
Chelsea have agreed a four-year deal with former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to become the Premier League club's head coach, Sky Sports reported on Saturday.
Kane grabs hat-trick as champions Bayern crush Cologne
Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane scored a hat-trick to guide champions Bayern Munich to a 5-1 demolition of visitors Cologne in the league finale on Saturday.
Sinner beats Medvedev to set up Italian Open final with Ruud
World number one Jannik Sinner had a restless night before completing a rain-interrupted victory over Daniil Medvedev to reach the Italian Open final on home soil on Saturday.
Celtic snatch title from Hearts with last-gasp victory on final day
Celtic scored two late goals to beat Heart of Midlothian 3-1 at home in a nerve-racking final-day title showdown to be crowned Scottish champions for a record 56th time on Saturday.
