Sports fans in Abu Dhabi will no doubt be looking forward to the rest of the year, with the Etihad Airways Formula One Grand Prix and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship both returning.
The annual tennis championship attracts some of the biggest players in the world to compete ahead of the first Grand Slam of the new season.
This year will be no different, as four-time champion Rafa Nadal is set to appear at the tournament, which will take place from December 19 to 21 at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre.
Alongside the 19-time Grand Slam winner, Daniil Medevev will also be taking part. The Russian and Spaniard faced off in an epic five-hour final at the US Open earlier this year.
Aiming to attract even more fans, the dates have been moved so residents can attend the tournament before travelling over the festive period.
Nine matches will be played across three days of competition with off-court attractions including tennis clinics, autograph and question and answer sessions and the tennis village keeping families entertained.
Tickets to the event are already on sale and fans will be snapping up seats to see some of the biggest stars in the sport take to the court again this year.
“I’ve heard so much about the Championship from my friends and there’s a lot of Russian support in Abu Dhabi,” says Medevev. “I know it’s also a popular holiday destination for my fellow countrymen so hopefully I can draw on that in my first appearance.
“The line-up will be very strong so it will be a good test of where I am heading into the new season as I look to build on what has been a great year for me so far.
“I will give my all and put on the best show possible for the spectators. I’m really looking forward to it.”
From Dhs100. Dec 19-21. International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, www.mubadalawtc.com.
