Roger Federer at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 23, 2026.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka became the oldest player to win a match in the history of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after defeating Lebanon’s Benjamin Hassan in straight sets on Monday (February 23). The 40-year-old Swiss player overcame World No289 Hassan with 7-5, 6-3 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, surpassing the previous record set by his compatriot Roger Federer, who won his eighth Dubai title in 2019 at age 37. Wawrinka later joked about his new age-related milestone. “I’m not sure it’s the best record of his to have,” he said, referring to Federer, as the Swiss legend applauded from the stands. Hassan, a 31-year-old wildcard making his tournament debut, pushed the 2016 Dubai champion in key moments and forced three break points. Wawrinka responded with nine aces and did not drop serve throughout the match. Despite the loss, Hassan left Centre Court with a moment he said he would never forget. Unaware during the match that Federer was watching from the stands, he later received a congratulatory handshake from the 20-time Grand Slam winner. “Stan played really good and was serving unbelievable. I had my chances… but overall, it was just a privilege to be here,” Hassan said. Raising his right hand, he added: “I’m never washing this hand again! came to me, shook my hand, and said ‘good match’. I said ‘thank you’ in German. He looked a little bit surprised to hear that, but I will always keep this hand dry now in the shower.” PIA/MFD/Expat Media
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