Head to Abu Dhabi to see the world's finest at MWTC

Denzil Pinto 23:18 23/12/2016
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  • Murray heads to Abu Dhabi as world No1 after a truly memorable 2016.

    World number one Andy Murray and 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal are just two of the big names competing at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi this week, but besides the matches there’s a variety of activities that fans can look forward to.

    Running from December 29-31 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, the tournament will also see the likes of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, world No10 Tomas Berdych, No11 David Goffin and No3 and last season’s runner-up Milos Raonic in action. Now in its ninth edition, the competition has been a big hit and there’s still time to purchase tickets.

    On the opening day, debutant Goffin meets Tsonga with the winner facing Wimbledon and Olympic champion Murray in the semi-finals on Friday. In the other half of the draw, defending champion and three-time winner Nadal opens his campaign against Berdych with Raonic waiting in the last four.

    While six of the world’s top 11 players do battle, there’s plenty of free off-court entertainment to keep spectators busy.

    In the Tennis Village, (open from 12:00 to 17:00) there will be an opportunity to meet the stars themselves as well as coaching clinics. On the first day, Judy Murray will also be hosting a mother and child clinic from 15:00 to 16:00 as part of Kids Day.

    Tickets for the matches start from Dh50 and Vickie Gunnarsson, tournament director, insists it will be a memorable occasion.

    Rafa Nadal is a three-time winner in Abu Dhabi and the reigning champion.

    Rafa Nadal is a three-time winner in Abu Dhabi and the reigning champion.

    “Ticket sales have been really encouraging for the ninth edition of the Mubadala Tennis World Championship,” she said. “With Rafael Nadal, an Abu Dhabi crowd favourite, playing for the first time on the first day and with the potential to play all three days, tickets are selling well.

    “There is still availability, including seats at the New Year’s Eve final, but I would advise buying now to avoid disappointment.

    “The success of Mubadala is clear to see and continually attracts an all-star line-up. Beyond that, it gives young tennis talent in the region a chance to compete in the Mubadala Community Cup.

    “We also hold tennis clinics and the Tennis Village is a fun-fuelled entertainment area for all the family. Players undertake tennis coaching clinics and signing sessions, which allow young local talent to meet and learn from their idols, unlike any other tournament. Every day is as exciting at the next, and that’s not just the on court action. The Tennis Village offers fans the chance to get up close to the stars like no other event does.

    “Just looking at the calibre of players we have this year, why wouldn’t you attend?”

    WHAT: Mubadala World Tennis Championship
    WHERE: International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi
    WHEN: December 29-31, matches start at 17:00. Final at 15:00. Tennis Village open from 12:00
    CONTACT: For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com

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