World No 1s Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek will headline a new tennis tournament in Dubai in December.
The World Tennis League will feature the best men's and women's players playing two-set matches across both singles and mixed doubles matches, with 10-point tie-breakers set to decide the final outcome if needed.
The tournament will be held at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena from December 19-24.
Joining the men’s field are Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios and former world No 2 Alexander Zverev. From the women’s field, former world No 1 Simona Halep and Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina add to a world-class line-up of tennis talent.
A player lottery will be held on November 1, where the 16-player line-up will be split into four teams of four players each, and a Round Robin format for matches across the tournament. The top two teams will then face off in a final day of matches to determine the overall winner of the World Tennis League in Dubai.
After the action on court, ticket holders for "The Greatest Show on Court" can experience concerts featuring top artists from around the globe, including Dutch DJ superstars Tiësto and Armin Van Buuren.
Novak Djokokic wins Wimbledon final - in pictures
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Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy following his victory against Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final, on Sunday, July 10, 2022. Getty -
The Duchess of Cambridge hands over the trophy to Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic at the All England Club. Getty -
Australia's Nick Kyrgios holds the runners-up trophy. AP -
Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Nick Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6. AP -
Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory over Nick Kyrgios. PA -
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios after the match. Getty -
Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning match point at the All England Club. Getty -
Novak Djokovic after beating Nick Kyrgios. AP -
Novak Djokovic celebrates in the stands with his coaches after winning the final. Reuters -
Nick Kyrgios duriing the match. EPA -
Australia's Nick Kyrgios in action during his defeat against Novak Djokovic of Serbia. AFP -
Novak Djokovic plays a backhand against Nick Kyrgios. Getty -
Nick Kyrgios during the match against Novak Djokovic. Getty -
A frustrated Nick Kyrgios during the match. PA -
Novak Djokovic stretches for a backhand against Nick Kyrgios. Getty -
Australia's Nick Kyrgios celebrates a point. AP -
Novak Djokovic in action during the final against Nick Kyrgios. Reuters -
Nick Kyrgios returns a tweener during the first set. Getty -
Novak Djokovic wipes his forehead during a break. AFP -
General view of Novak Djokovic against Nick Kyrgios at the All England Club. PA -
Australia's Nick Kyrgios returns the ball. AFP -
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios before the match. Getty
Serbia's Djokovic, whose record of 21 Grand Slam singles titles places him second to only Rafael Nadal, heads the men's field with Poland's Swiatek, winning of the 2022 French and US Opens, leads the women's entries.
“This new event is exciting, there’s no doubt about it,” said Djokovic. "I absolutely love playing in Dubai, I’ve had a lot of success there over the years and really enjoy the fans. This is something different, and it’s going to be great being a part of it.”
Three-time Grand slam champion Swiatek added: “I like it most when tennis connects people and when it's true entertainment. When it's combined with a great show and music, it's even better, so that's the reason why I'm excited to join this year's World Tennis League. I'm happy that together with other top players we'll introduce tennis as fun to new audiences. I can't wait!”
Iga Swiatek wins US Open - in pictures
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Ons Jabeur, Iga Swiatek, and Martina Navratilova pose for a picture after the US Open final at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2022 in New York City. AFP -
Ons Jabeur poses with the runners-up plate after being defeated by Iga Swiatek in the 2022 US Open final. AFP -
Iga Swiatek celebrates with the championship trophy after winning the 2022 US Open. Getty -
Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur pose for photos during the trophy ceremony following their US Open final match. AFP -
Iga Swiatek lifts the US Open trophy after winning the final against Ons Jabeur. AFP -
Ons Jabeur lifts the runners-up trophy after being defeated by Iga Swiatek in the US Open final. AFP -
Iga Swiatek with the championship trophy after winning the US Open final. Getty -
Ons Jabeur applauds Iga Swiatek during the US Open trophy ceremony. Reuters -
Iga Swiatek hugs Ons Jabeur during the trophy ceremony following the 2022 US Open final. AFP -
Ons Jabeur kicks the ball in frustration during the US Open final against Iga Swiatek. Getty -
Iga Swiatek and her team celebrate with the trophy after her win against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final. Getty -
Iga Swiatek celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Ons Jabeur in the US Open final. Getty -
Iga Swiatek hits a return to Ons Jabeur during the 2022 US Open final. AFP -
Iga Swiatek slumps to the court in celebration after winning the 2022 US Open. AFP -
Iga Swiatek greets Ons Jabeur after her win in the US Open final. Getty -
Iga Swiatek celebrates a point against Ons Jabeur during the US Open final. Getty -
Ons Jabeur hits a backhand to Iga Swiatek during the US Open final. Getty -
Ons Jabeur reacts after losing a point to Iga Swiatek during the US Open final. AP
Rajesh Banga, chairman of World Tennis League, said the World Tennis League will hail a "new era of tennis".
"It brings a unique and engaging new format to the game of tennis, offering a spectacular mix of sport and entertainment together. We can’t wait to welcome fans from around the globe for this momentous event.”
For more information on the World Tennis League, please visit: https://www.worldtennisleague.com/.
