This year's Mubadala World Tennis Championship will be held a week earlier than usual, organisers have announced.
The 2019 MWTC will take place over the weekend of December 19-21, Flash Entertainment said Wednesday, at its traditional home at Abu Dhabi’s International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City.
The tournament’s new dates are expected to increase the number of fans attending the exhibition event ahead of the Christmas period with eight of the world's leading players - six men and two women - in action in the captial.
“The Mubadala World Tennis Championship has always been a huge hit with people from across the globe, offering intimate and unrivalled access to the world’s best players in a special, festival atmosphere. We are constantly looking to evolve the event and the new dates will enhance the senses of visitors and further cement Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the perfect winter holiday destination,” said John Lickrish, chief executive at Flash Entertainment.
“The 12th Mubadala World Tennis Championship is picture perfect for spectators, with top-class on-court action, our popular Kids’ Day, player activities and a diverse bill of entertainment options off-court. The new dates have enabled us to enhance the spectator experience and the Tennis Village will be packed with fun festive activities for all. We look forward to welcoming everyone over the three days.”
In addition to nine top-class matches across the three days, spectators can enjoy tennis clinics, autograph and question-and-answer sessions with the players and get involved in interactive competitions.
The MWTC has often been used by the world's leading players as a tune-up event before heading into the first grand slam of the season, the Australian Open, every January.
The 2018 MWTC field boasted a world-class field including world No 1 and 15-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic as well as 18-time major winner Rafael Nadal. Djokovic beat big-serving South African Kevin Anderson 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the men's final to lift his fourth title in Abu Dhabi.
It also saw the Williams sisters Serena and Venus face off, with Venus edging out her younger sibling 4-6, 6-3, 10-8.
Pre-registration for tickets is now open at http://www.mubadalawtc.com/pre-register-for-one-of-the-most-exclusive-experiences/ with tickets going on sale in July.
Those who register for the special three-day package will earn the chance to purchase some of the best available seats closest to the action and an opportunity to meet the star players in the "MWTC Human Letter" activation during the media day on December 18.
For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
