Andy Murray returning to Abu Dhabi for 2016 Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Andy Murray in action against Grigor Dimitrov during an exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 21, 2016. Mark Runnacles / Getty Images

Ever a man of the people, Andy Murray announced his playing return to Abu Dhabi in direct response to a local tennis player on Facebook.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist announced his plans to play in December’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship on his Facebook page on Sunday. Hasoon Al Nowais, a 13-year-old Emirati junior tennis player, asked Murray himself, and the world No 2 responded with the public message of his intentions to play again in the UAE.

The ninth edition of the season-opening tournament is set for December 29-1 at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex. Murray has won the event twice, including in 2015 in a walkover of Novak Djokovic. He also won the inaugural event in 2009, defeating Rafael Nadal in three sets.

“It’s always special to be part of something that is actually helping to grow the sport I love,” Murray said in a press release. “There is clearly a new and young tennis community growing in Abu Dhabi and I’m touched Hassan asked if I was coming back. I’m looking forward to returning to this great tournament.”

Milos Raonic – whom Murray defeated in the 2015 Wimbledon final – will also be attending, according to the tournament's web site.

Tickets are available now online through Ticketmaster and in-person at Virgin Megastores in the UAE.

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