Djokovic set for MWTC in Abu Dhabi

World number one Novak Djokovic will make his debut in the Mubadala World Tennis Championships (MWTC) to be held from December 29 to 31 in Abu Dhabi.

Six of the world's top ten players, including world number two Rafael Nadal and 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, will battle for the winner-takes-all $250,000 prize at Zayed Sports City's International Complex.

World number five David Ferrer, and French duo ninth ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and 10th ranked Gael Monfils, complete the all star line-up in the global tennis season opener.

Organised by Flash Entertainment in partnership with Mubadala, the fourth edition of the championship boasts the strongest line-up of global tennis stars to ever compete in the Middle East.

It also serves as a tune-up for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, which takes place three weeks after the Abu Dhabi event.

“I’ve heard so much about Abu Dhabi and it’s a place I’ve always wanted to see for myself and play here with some top competitors. This season has been very special as I’ve probably played the best tennis of my life, but I remain focused on the future and continuing my form into next season starting with Abu Dhabi. Obviously a tournament of real quality to begin the season is vital for building early momentum and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is the perfect place to start,” said Djokovic issuing a statement at the launch of the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The 24-year-old Serbian has dominated the 2011 ATP season to realise a lifelong ambition in becoming world number 1, attracting fans from around the globe in the process with his baseline brilliance and unstoppable performances. During an incredible 2011, which included a 41-match winning streak, Djokovic has become the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open Champion as well as the first player to win five ATP world tour Masters 1000 titles in a single season.

Eager to return to Abu Dhabi to renew rivalries with the elite, reigning Mubadala World Tennis Champion Nadal said: “Having seen the strength of the field, I’m already looking forward to a serious test and defending my title. I know I’ll need to be at my best, so it’s exactly the preparation I need ahead of the Australian Open.”

Tournament organisers promise the most exciting day one line-up in the tournament’s history, guaranteeing audiences a match featuring one of the top four players in the world today.

The unique championship format that takes fans on day one immediately to what would otherwise be the quarter-final of a major championship guaranteeing explosive performances and attacking tennis with two matches each day to thrill the crowds on centre court.

Shatha Al Romaithi of Flash Entertainment, said: “This year’s player line-up is spectacular. From the moment the first ball is struck, sports fans will get exactly what they are looking for – the chance to witness arguably the greatest rivals in world sport as they go head to head at the start of the global tennis season here in Abu Dhabi.

“I’d urge fans and those new to the game to get their tickets while they can, especially for the opening day as the opportunity to see the brilliance of Djokovic, Nadal or Federer in action is simply unmissable. It will be an intriguing draw this year with the possibility of some breathtaking clashes.”

Amina Taher, Group Communications Manager at Mubadala, the title sponsor of the tournament, added: “The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is a key date on the Abu Dhabi calendar and we look forward to welcoming the world’s very best players for an unforgettable three days of exciting competition. Mubadala supports a range of initiatives around the tournament that provide the opportunity for the local community to become active in tennis, including interactive zones and schools programmes. Through the sponsorship and the community events, Mubadala continues to foster local involvement and deliver social returns to the UAE.”

Greg Sproule of IMG thanked Flash Entertainment, title sponsors for the second year Mubadala, Tennis Emirates and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their continuous support.

"It is thanks to the efforts of all these people that I can guarantee this year’s championship will set a new standard, bringing more excitement and entertainment to Abu Dhabi, with intense sporting drama from the world’s best players," he said.

"By supporting this event, you are not only supporting a new generation of tennis players globally but more importantly, locally. The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is fuelling a passion inside young people across the UAE. The grassroots of this sport are growing here in the UAE and we all hope to inspire children to lead active lives, and also encourage adults to set the standard for them. Who knows, we may uncover a young Roger Federer or budding Nadal in 2011."

Beyond the three days of championship tennis, Flash Entertainment and Mubadala have continued the championship’s commitment to leave a lasting legacy by taking tennis into the community and encouraging residents of the UAE to become active and improve their lifestyles through sports.

Building on last year’s successful community initiatives, the Mubadala Tennis in School programme, which provides free coaching and equipment for children between the ages of seven and 12 has increased immensely to reach a total of 40 schools from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 20 of which are National schools.

The Mubadala Community Cup, a community tournament running across the Emirates, has returned to offer tennis hopefuls from the age of eight through to adults the chance of a lifetime to win one exclusive spot in a tennis clinic with the tennis superstars at the tournament itself.

Details of a new and improved Tennis Village have also been revealed for this year’s championship. Opening daily each morning and throughout the afternoon, and free to all, an interactive tennis zone will give every fan the chance to pick up a racket and go beyond watching their heroes. During the tournament players will visit the Tennis Village to meet fans, sign autographs and play in community clinics.

Having won the hearts of crowds in Abu Dhabi on his previous three visits, Swiss star Roger Federer, said: “Thanks to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Abu Dhabi is now on the global tennis stage as a tournament which just gets better each and every year. The city’s genuine commitment to support the growth of tennis in the region is exciting and the opportunity to work with junior players makes it personally rewarding to play here as part of this celebration of tennis. Abu Dhabi is a place I always look forward to returning to as I have always had a wonderful time."

Tickets are available from 12 noon on the 25th October at www.thinkflash.ae or call 800 FLASH (35274).
For more information visit - www.mubadalawtc.com.




 

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