Rafael Nadal, the former world No 1 and 14-time major winner, will return for the eighth edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) in Abu Dhabi, organisers confirmed.
MWTC, which will be held at Zayed Sports City from December 31, 2015 to January 2, 2016, will welcome six of the world’s best tennis players for the three-day tournament.
Nadal, a two-time MWTC winner, has confirmed his place at the event and is looking to use it as a springboard for a successful 2016 season. The current year has seen the Spaniard dip below his usual high standards, resulting in just two titles and a drop to No 10 in the world rankings as he struggled to regain his top form after an injury-disrupted start to the season.
“A new season is a new opportunity for success and I am looking forward to getting started in Abu Dhabi on December 31st,” Nadal said. “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.”
One of the new faces Nadal may be referring to is world No 9 Milos Raonic, who has also confirmed his place at MWTC.
The big-serving Canadian will be making his first appearance at MWTC where he will compete for the US$250,000 (Dh918,000) winning prize.
“I’m really looking forward to it that’s for sure,” Raonic said. “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.
“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.”
Tickets for MWTC go on sale at 12pm on Monday, September 28 and are available to buy at all Virgin Megastores across the UAE and at www.ticketmaster.ae.
TICKET PRICES AND INFORMATION
Premier:
Day 1 (Dh1,400), Day 2 (Dh1,800), Day 3 (Dh2,200)
Category 1:
Adult Day 1 (300), Day 2 (Dh450), Day 3 (Dh650)
Child Day 1 (Dh200), Day 2 (Dh350), Day 3 (Dh450)
3 Day Package (Dh1,300)
Category 2:
Adult Day 1 (100), Day 2 (Dh250), Day 3 (350)
Child Day 1 (50,) Day 2 (Dh150), Day 3 (Dh200)
3 Day Package (Dh700)
Family Pack of 4 Day 1 only (Dh250)
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE
