Fourteen-time major champion Rafael Nadal will return alongside Milos Raonic for the eighth edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC), scheduled from December 31, 2015 to January 2 in New Year at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.
The highly anticipated global event returns with the promise more epic on-court battles as the world’s best look to secure the winning prize of $250,000 (Dh917,875). Six of the greatest players will face off in three days of world-class action in the UAE capital, giving fans and sports enthusiasts a captivating entertainment experience as they celebrate the New Year.
After returning from injury in 2015, Nadal has just guided his Spanish team to victory in their Davis Cup World Group play-off and will battle in the UAE capital for the seventh time. “A new season is a new opportunity for success and I am looking forward to getting started in Abu Dhabi on December 31. The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is an event I always enjoy and it’s great to be returning to action with the world’s top players in the UAE capital. I’m happy to see new faces entering the tournament this year which shows it continues to grow and offer a new challenge for us players. I’m looking forward to spending time with the local crowds, they are always very supportive,” said Nadal.
Set to face off against the legendary Nadal in the UAE capital will be tournament newcomer and world number nine Raonic. With six career titles, the Canadian has proven he has all the talent and experience to lift the trophy in his first attempt and will be hoping for a good run against the top stars as he builds towards the Australian Open, the first major of the year after the MWTC.
“I’m really looking forward to it that’s for sure. The line-up for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is always extremely strong and I’ve heard nothing but good things from the guys on the tour who have been there before. For me it will be my first time in Abu Dhabi so it’s going to be a new experience and I’ll be on the lookout for the Canadian flags in the stands for support,” said Raonic.
“It will be very exciting to start my year in Abu Dhabi and I’m looking forward to bringing my best tennis. The result of that will hopefully be thrilling tennis for the Abu Dhabi crowds,” Exciting off-court events, found in the Tennis Village, combine an array of activities including tennis clinics coached by the pros, and autograph signing sessions, allowing the crowds to get up close and personal with their favourite players as the MWTC looks to have a positive and lasting impact on the young people of the UAE. Children and families will be able to enjoy exploring the variety of activations in the Tennis Village with Kids’ Day taking place on Thursday December 31, 2015.
Tickets will be on sale from midday tomorrow at ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastores across the UAE or by calling 800 TM UAE (86 823) and International 04 366 2289.
