From grass courts to purple carpet: The Dubai Duty Free WTA Summer Party
LONDON, Great Britain – The stars of the WTA joined together in London at the Dubai Duty Free WTA Summer Party to celebrate the greatest champions in women’s tennis on the eve of The Championships, Wimbledon.
Regarded as one of London’s most anticipated social events of the summer, the celebration was attended by Wimbledon favorites and international stars including former WTA World No.1s Caroline Wozniacki, Garbiñe Muguruza and Naomi Osaka, British No.1 Johanna Konta, and reigning WTA Finals champion and Dubai Duty Free Ambassador, Elina Svitolina among others.
Photo gallery: Snapshots from the Dubai Duty Free WTA Summer Party
The evening’s esteemed guest list transcended the current generation of tennis stars as WTA Legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova took the stage to reflect on what becoming a global champion in the world of professional sports means to them. Navratilova presented Evert with a replica of Evert’s namesake award that honors her as the WTA’s first ever World No.1, aptly named the Chris Evert WTA World No.1 trophy.
In honor of WTA’s tradition of recognizing a player’s success over a competitive season, known as the WTA Year-End World No.1 Award presented by Dubai Duty Free, a tribute was also made to past awardees in attendance. This was also an opportunity to pay special complement to its long-standing presenting sponsor, Dubai Duty Free.
“This evening’s celebration reminds us of what it takes to become a WTA champion,” said WTA President, Micky Lawler. “As we approach the half way mark in the tennis season, it’s remarkable to watch the depth of talent within the Tour, that of established stars and emerging new champions. I’m truly moved by each and every one of these women, who dedicate their lives to become the champion they wish to be, both on and off the court.”
Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin, added, “Dubai Duty Free is incredibly honored to support the WTA organization and celebrate the history we’ve shared in women’s professional tennis. The vision, talent and passion these women instill in our culture through sports around the world unites us all in a very inspiring way. We couldn’t imagine a more perfect evening honoring these great champions among us.”
Read more: DDF WTA Summer Party: The stars arrive at the purple carpet
Dubai Duty Free executives Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Operating Officer, and Salah Tahlak, Executive Vice President - Corporate Services, were present to congratulate players personally on their success.
To see exclusive purple carpet interviews and videos from the Dubai Duty Free WTA Summer Party, follow #DDFSummerParty on social media and visit www.wtatennis.com. The 14th annual WTA summer party event was hosted at Jumeirah Carlton Tower and organized with the support from Moroccanoil®, Arbikie, Stella Artois, Bocelli Family Wines, Bocelli 1831 Wines, and Republic of Whiskey.