Novak Djokovic says he would like to see Dubai become a Masters-level tournament, even suggesting that it could be played for longer than one week.
“You have seven or eight of the top 10 players taking part in this event,” Djokovic told *The National*. “That says enough. They are doing a great job in attracting the world’s best players. The people here are very kind, especially the people who are in charge of organization here, and I am always welcomed like at home.”
The world No. 1 said the facilities and accommodations in the small but wealthy country of the United Arab Emirates meant it would be appropriate for the tournament to be a top-level Masters event.
"I think that many top players would agree with that fact because it’s such a strong event, and it also has the potential," said Djokovic.
Tournament organizers have previously said they are not looking to upgrade their event status, preferring to have a small but exclusive field. However, Djokovic would still like to see it become bigger. "I don’t know a single player who has played here and has a negative feeling about the tournament," he added, saying that players have said they would like it extended "a bit longer time, like we have Indian Wells and Miami."
With plenty of sponsors and reasonably low-priced seating, the Dubai tournaments attract large crowds, with Djokovic noting, "The people here definitely love tennis. There’s a lot of attendance, a lot of people coming to watch the event."
The Dubai Tennis Championships will be Djokovic’s first tournament since his Australian Open victory.