Tsitsipas and Wawrinka experience Ramadan hospitality in Dubai

Away from the intensity of competition at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, former Dubai champions Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka shared a meaningful cultural moment as they joined an Iftar gathering in Dubai, embracing local traditions and the spirit of Ramadan.

Hosted by Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director at Dubai Duty Free Salah Tahlak, the two players, along with Tsitsipas’ parents, attended a special evening at TH8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort.

Reflecting on the experience, Wawrinka highlighted the importance of sharing traditions beyond the tennis court.

“Being here tonight is really special,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion and 2016 Dubai title-holder.

“We’re very grateful to be invited to share this moment, especially with family. It’s about sharing cultures, and that’s one of the beautiful things about tennis. We travel the world, meet people from different backgrounds, and get the chance to experience traditions like this.”

Wawrinka added that such moments are among the most personal and memorable parts of life on the circuit.

“It’s something very meaningful for me,” he said. “These experiences stay with you.”

Tsitsipas echoed the sentiment, underlining how cultural exploration has become one of the great privileges of his career. Wearing traditional Emirati attire for the evening, the Greek star described it as a personal and familiar gesture, having done so previously at a players’ event in Dubai.

“I really enjoy moments like this,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s a blessing that we get to travel the world and explore so many cultures. That’s one of the best parts of our job: Meeting people and learning from different traditions.”

He also paid tribute to his fellow diner, noting Wawrinka’s longevity and success on tour.

“Stan has been doing this for many, many years,” he added. “I’ve also been on tour for a long time now, and I hope to learn as much as I can from this journey and from players like him.”