Dubai, 24 February (H.S.): Top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime endured a six-match-point scare to defeat Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 7-6(7/4) in the Dubai Championship 2026 first round, joining Stan Wawrinka and Jack Draper in advancing at the ATP 500 event.

The Canadian, runner-up last season and fresh off Montpellier title and Rotterdam final, admitted mounting mental pressure after squandering points against China's Zhang. Last year's Dubai finalist now faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who outlasted Moez Echargui in a grinder.

Switzerland's 40-year-old veteran Stan Wawrinka, in his final tour season, dismantled Benjamin Hassan 7-5, 6-3 with compatriot Roger Federer—eight-time Dubai champion—watching from stands. This marks Wawrinka's 10th tour-level win post-40, an Open Era record.

Britain's Jack Draper marked his ATP return after nearly six months sidelined, toppling Quentin Halys 7-6(10/8), 6-3. Playing in front of crowds again feels incredibly special, the world No. 25 beamed post-match.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar