Dubai Sets a New World Record in Tennis

The new Guinness World Record for Most Players In A Tennis Exhibition Match was set at the inaugural ADIB 24-Hour Tennis Marathon

Dubai, November 14, 2015: Dubai has set a new Guinness World Record in Tennis. Seventy six players from across the United Arab Emirates played for nine hours and fifteen minutes on Friday to set the new Guinness Record for “Most Players In A Tennis Exhibition Match”. The previous record was set by 72 players who played for nine hours and five minutes in September 2012 in Italy. 

The record in Dubai was set at about 10:30 pm on Friday, November 13 2015 at the ADIB 24-Hour Tennis Marathon, which concluded at the Grand Hyatt’s Tennis Courts on Saturday. The marathon event was kicked off by Marion Bartoli, the Women’s Singles winner of the 2013 Wimbledon Championship, at 1.15 pm on November 13, 2015.

The 76 players were grouped under six corporate teams, who competed for 24 consecutive hours, to take home the ADIB 24 Hour Marathon Crown and loads of other prizes.
 
Team DTA (The Dubai Tennis Academy) swept aside Team ADIB, Team Huawei, Team Pepsi, Team Grand Hyatt and Team Channel 4 to be crowned champion at the ADIB 24-Hour Marathon. The event was supported by the Dubai Sports Council and presented by Huawei. 

Players were provided with opportunity to play with or against Bartoli, and visitors to the event had the chance to watch the 2013 Wimbledon champion playing and interact with her.

Fitz Jerald Tabura was declared the winner of an all paid trip to London and watch the action at 2016 Wimbledon Championships, which will take place from June 27 to July 10, 2016. 

Organised by Sherriff International Sports Management (SISM) and Veracity World, this unique tennis concept attracted the backing of corporates and tennis players and enthusiasts. 

Commenting on the tournament, Ms Bartoli, said, “I am so glad to be part of this phenomenal Tennis Marathon in Dubai. The best part being lot of interest and a strong belief amongst participants was that they could take up the sport to another level etching Dubai’s golden name in the history of tennis. Dubai is a fabulous platform for Tennis. I am so grateful to the organisers for providing me the opportunity to be part of this event.” 
 
Mr. Vipin Sharma, Managing Director of Veracity World, said, “We are delighted in hosting the first ever ADIB 24-Hour Tennis Marathon in Dubai. And moreover proud to break world record previously held. We believe this tournament will serve as a springboard for tennis talent in the UAE to be noticed and further develop their skills. It has been a real treat for families and others to watch the tournament. The response from the participants and spectators has been encouraging and we plan to make this an annual regular event. There has also been tremendous support from the corporates which further encouraged us and made the event successful.” 

Mr. Strath Sherriff, Managing Director of SISM and a well-known name in the tennis world, said: “All in all, the 24-Hour Tennis Marathon was a very solid match. We made it a winning start to the annual regular event with the finest of tennis players in the UAE. This was obvious from the tremendous excitement among the team members and we believe that the championship has set a benchmark.” 

The Marathon was supported by corporates and organisations including ADIB, Huawei, Qantas, Pepsi, Ahasees Spa & Club, Grand Hyatt, Tennis Emirates, K-Swiss, Channel 4, Khaleej Times, Arcs & Curves, Watermelon Communications, Prince, Rashid Centre for Disabled, and CMS Digital World.