Some of the greatest names in tennis have arrived in Abu Dhabi for the start of the global tennis season for the opening day of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City on Thursday.
The first day of the three-day tournament sees an irresistible line-up of all-star matches and the long-awaited Abu Dhabi debut appearances of rising Cypriot star Marcos Baghdatis who takes on world number six and 2010 Wimbledon finalist, Tomas Berdych at 3pm in the first match of the championship.
Flamboyant Frenchman Jo-Wilfred Tsonga also making his Abu Dhabi debut will play Swedish world number five, French Open finalist Robin Soderling in the second match of day one.
The atmosphere on the first day, known as ‘Family day’, will be electric as fans fill a packed centre-court stadium dressed in national colours to show their support for their favourite player, with a dream experience to Wimbledon up for grabs for the most colourful fan.
Having practiced on centre court ahead of his first match in Abu Dhabi, Tomas Berdych said: “If you look at the group of players in the tournament, names such as Rafa and Roger, it’s the perfect start to the tennis year rivaling the end of season finale in London at the ATP Finals.
“I’m playing some of my best tennis and really enjoying the weather here. I can’t wait to play my first match. It will be tough but that’s what all the players need right now.”
The winner of Baghdatis versus Berdych in the tournament’s opening match will take on world number one, Rafael Nadal in a semifinal clash on day two, while all-time men’s Grand Slam singles titles leader, Roger Federer will face the winner of Soderling and Tsonga in the other semifinal.
Having returned to the scene of his first victory over Roger Federer, last year’s finalist Robin Soderling said: “Reaching the final last year really helped with my confidence which showed throughout the whole season. It’s a great tournament as having the chance to start the year playing against the best players in the world is ideal. First I’ve a tough match against Tsonga, a great player and then if I win I play Roger, so you could not ask for a harder start to the season but I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Beyond the world-class action on centre court, a new and improved interactive tennis zone within the tennis village will give fans the chance to pick up a racquet and get involved. The first chance to see world number one Rafael Nadal and all-time men’s Grand Slam singles titles leader, Roger Federer, before they take to the court for their semifinal encounters with the winners is another highlight of a spectacular opening day. Both players will meet fans and sign autographs in the tennis village on day one ahead of their semifinal encounters on day two.
Final tickets for the opening day of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Thursday at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City, are available at www.thinkflash.ae, www.boxofficeme.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com, Virgin Megastores across the UAE and Marina Mall Abu Dhabi or call 800 FLASH (35274). For more information visit - www.mubadalawtc.com.
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