Dubai: One of the most charismatic players in the world will be a strong contender for the 20th Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title when play gets under way on February 27 at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga — nicknamed Ali because of his resemblance to boxer Mohammed Ali — is at a career-high six in the world after a stunning 2011 season that saw him knock six-time champion Roger Federer out of Wimbledon in a five-set thriller.

"Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s win over Roger Federer at Wimbledon last year is a match that few of us will forget," said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman of Tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.

"He has long been one of the most exciting players in the world to watch, and we eagerly look forward to seeing him perform once again in Dubai."

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