Nadal, Djokovic set for dream showdown in Mubadala World Tennis Championship
Rafael Nadal is already looking forward to the 2013 Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi following the official draw for this year’s tournament.
After narrowly losing out to his closest rival, Novak Djokovic, at the recent season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Nadal has been given the chance for sweet revenge against Djokovic with both players drawn in separate halves of the tournament.
The result is a potential final that all fans dream of - a showdown between the top two players in the world at Zayed Sport City next month.
A convincing win over Nadal saw Djokovic retain his ATP World Tour Finals title winning in straight sets 6-3 6-4.
Nadal and Djokovic are just one game away from a thrilling rematch, with both players looking to exert their dominance at Zayed Sports City in December ahead of the 2014 season-opening Australian Open in January.
As the top two seeds, Nadal and reigning Mubadala World Tennis Champion, Djokovic, receive a bye to Day two with Nadal taking on either David Ferrer or Stanislas Wawrinka from 3pm on December 27.
The second semifinal will follow, with Djokovic facing either Andy Murray or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. If Nadal and Djokovic both make it through the semis, Abu Dhabi will be treated to the ultimate grudge match between the two on Day 3, where both players would be vying for a third Mubadala World Tennis Championship crown.
“This season has been one of my greatest achievements – coming back from injury to win two Grand Slams, regaining the world number one spot and finishing the season there has been incredible. Now it's time to relax and prepare for the new season. I love playing in Abu Dhabi as it gives me the chance to test myself again after the off season. I’ve won there twice and I am definitely hoping to make it lucky number three this year,” said Nadal.
World number three David Ferrer will spark the weekend’s action on centre court from 5pm, December 26 when he takes on Stanislas Wawrinka.
Abu Dhabi crowd favourite Ferrer will face tough competition from Switzerland’s number two for whom many are calling 2013 a breakthrough year.
Reigning Wimbledon champion and world number four, Andy Murray, will then take to the court against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to round off a superb opening day of action.
Murray and Tsonga will both be looking to send a clear message to the tennis world ahead of the new season after ending 2013 injured.
But it won’t be over for the day’s unlucky losers as they will return to center court for a fifth/sixth place play-off on Day 2, December 27, from 12.30pm.
The tournament semi-finals will follow on Day 2 with the winners from the previous day’s play going through to face the world’s top two players.
December 27 marks the first time in the Championship’s history that all six superstars will play in front of the sell-out crowds.
The action continues on Day 3, December 28, with the third/fourth place play-off starting from 3pm followed by the Championship match and potential Nadal-Djokovic showdown from 5pm.
The buzz of the tournament is not just confined to centre court and more details about the Championship’s expanded Tennis Village, including the hugely popular live entertainment stage, family picnic area, Mubadala Interactive Zone and daily star player autograph sessions, will be revealed as the excitement builds ahead of one of the UAE’s most exciting sporting events.
The annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship takes place from December 26 to 28 2013 at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City.
Tickets are on sale from www.ticketmaster.ae and in selected Virgin Megastores, or call 800 TM UAE (800 86 823) with prices starting from Dh50 for children and Dh100 for adults. With tickets selling fast, organisers are urging fans to book quickly to avoid disappointment.
Schedule of Play:
Thursday December 26
David Ferrer v Stanislas Wawrinka – 5:00pm
Andy Murray v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - not before 7:00pm
Friday December 27
5th and 6th Place Match – 12.30pm
Novak Djokovic v TBD – 3:00pm
Rafael Nadal v TBD - not before 5:00pm
Saturday December 28
3rd and 4th Place Match – 3:00pm
Final - not before 5:00pm
Prize Presentation after the final match at approximately 7:00pm