Djokovic, Nadal to continue rivalry at Mubadala World Tennis Championship

The world's top two tennis players Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will return to Abu Dhabi for the season-opening Mubadala World Tennis Championship from January 1 to 3.

The annual competition, which sees six of the world’s top players battle it out across three days at Zayed Sports City, is organised by Flash Entertainment in partnership with Mubadala for the seventh time. 

For fans who don’t want to miss out on seeing Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in action, tickets go on sale from Tuesday July  22 at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Mega Stores or by calling 800 TM UAE (86 823).

Making his debut in Abu Dhabi in 2011, world number one Djokovic has never lost a match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and will be looking to continue his successful run to secure an unprecedented fourth tournament title.

Across his tournament career, he has seen off strong competition from some of the world’s best players including Roger Federer and David Ferrer.

Most recently Djokovic secured his seventh Grand Slam title with an impressive victory over Federer at Wimbledon.

“Abu Dhabi has always been very good to me and of course I was keen to return and defend my title. The tournament draws the world’s top players and it is crucial for us to keep pushing and testing ourselves against each other, especially at the start of a new season," Djokovic said.

"Celebrating the New Year in Abu Dhabi will be very special this time around and I’m hopeful of starting 2015 in the best possible way - with a victory at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.”

The January 2015 Mubadala World Tennis Championship will see world number 2 Nadal return to Abu Dhabi for the sixth time.

Although the Spaniard has not lifted the tournament’s trophy since 2011, he has enjoyed a series of important triumphs, securing five major titles, including victory at this year’s French Open.

Should Nadal hope to regain the coveted Mubadala World Tennis Championship title he will most likely have to see off close rival Djokovic, setting up a legendary clash between two titans of the modern tennis era.

Speaking from his home in Mallorca, Spain the Spaniard commented: “The standards are always high in Abu Dhabi, the crowds are fantastic and there is a real buzz around the city so returning was an easy decision to make. It’s the perfect place to start the year and although there is still a long way to go in this current season, we have to plan ahead and make sure we give ourselves to best opportunities to start the year strong. For me that would be playing the Mubadala World Tennis Championships where all top players want to play. I hope this year I can win."

The unique combination of a ‘winner takes all’ prize of $250,000, the world’s best players and a Championship format that is the equivalent of a Grand Slam quarter-final, guarantee explosive performances and attacking tennis to thrill crowds on centre court.

In addition, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship boasts exciting off-court action in the Tennis Village, where players can be found coaching tennis clinics and signing autographs.

Mubadala will continue as title sponsor of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in 2015. Their support has helped the tournament develop to its current position as one of the region’s premier sporting events.

Through grassroots initiatives such as the Mubadala Community Cup and Tennis in Schools, Mubadala’s partnership helped bring the tournament and the game to the people of the UAE, allowing hundreds of participants from across the country to learn about the sport and the importance of health and fitness as well as compete and boost their skills in a fun-packed atmosphere.

Prices start from Dh50 for upper bowl seating, with exclusive premier hospitality packages also available including food and beverage offers, star player meet and greets and premier stadium seating.

F1 ticket holders redeeming their Y1 Access benefits will benefit from a 20% discount on Category 2 tickets.
 

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