Rising Stars Shine in Dubai Tennis Championships Quarterfinals

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships witnessed a day of upsets and breakthrough performances as unseeded players dominated Tuesdays quarterfinal action, setting up intriguing semifinal matchups that few could have predicted at the tournaments start.

The biggest shock of the day came on the mens side, where 19-year-old Ben Shelton continued his remarkable run by defeating third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(4), 6-3 in just over 90 minutes. The Americans powerful serve and fearless approach overwhelmed the Greek star, who struggled to find his rhythm against Sheltons aggressive baseline game. This victory marks Sheltons first win over a top-10 player and propels him into his first ATP 500 semifinal.

Equally impressive was the performance of qualifier Jiri Lehecka, who stunned fifth seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6(5) to reach his second semifinal of the season. The Czech players consistent groundstrokes and tactical awareness frustrated the big-serving American, who managed just three aces despite his usual dominance on serve. Leheckas rise continues a breakthrough year that has seen him crack the top 30 for the first time.

The womens draw saw similar surprises, with unseeded Elise Mertens defeating second seed Paula Badosa 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 in a marathon encounter. The Belgian veterans experience proved crucial in the deciding set, as she broke Badosas serve twice to close out the victory. Mertens credited her improved fitness and mental approach for her strong start to the 2026 season.

Meanwhile, defending champion Iga Swiatek avoided an upset by narrowly defeating American wildcard Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4 in a high-quality encounter. The Polish world No. 1 was tested throughout the match by Gauffs improved consistency, but ultimately prevailed through superior shot placement and court positioning. Swiatek will face Mertens in Thursdays semifinal, while Shelton takes on Lehecka in what promises to be a captivating battle between two of tenniss most promising young talents.

The tournaments prize money distribution has been particularly rewarding for the breakthrough performers, with quarterfinal appearances guaranteeing significant ranking points that could reshape the tours hierarchy. With just four players remaining in each draw, Dubais final days promise to deliver compelling tennis as established stars battle rising talents for prestigious titles in the desert.