Novak Djokovic confirmed for Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Sport360 staff 12:02 02/10/2018
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  • Novak Djokovic has won two Grand Slam titles in 2018.

    Wimbledon and US Open champion Novak Djokovic and seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams have been confirmed to play in this year’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC), to take place in Abu Dhabi between December 27-29.

    The star duo are amongst the first names to be announced for the three-day tennis spectacle in the UAE.

    MWTC, now in its 11th edition, is set to once again thrill fans and their families. With a line-up featuring six top male players and two leading female players, this year’s event is guaranteed to kick-off the 2019 tennis season with a bang.

    Djokovic, who is the current world number three and has roared back to form in 2018 after injury problems – winning Wimbledon in July and the US Open last month, has triumphed at MWTC on three separate occasions from his five previous visits.

    “It has always been an honour to play in Abu Dhabi and I can’t wait to see my fans once again this year. The Championship offers the perfect opportunity to fine-tune my preparations ahead of the Australian Open and I am really looking forward to competing there again,” the 31-year-old Serbian said.

    Joining Djokovic in Abu Dhabi and making her debut in the tournament, will be American great Venus, who has 49 career titles to her name.

    Commenting on her maiden appearance in Abu Dhabi, Williams said: “This will be my first time playing at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and I am really looking forward to it. I’ve heard such great things about the Championship and the city from my sister, Serena. I can’t wait to meet my fans and play in front of what I hear is a very passionate crowd!”

    But it’s not just the tennis action that is set to thrill the crowds, the Tennis Village will once again be offering exciting off-court action with guaranteed fun for all over the three-day event. Each day will take on a new theme, with Day One centred around families, Day Two designed for foodies and last but not least, Day Three dedicated to ladies.

    In keeping with the theme of Day One for families, organisers have announced free entry for children (age 2-12) on the opening day of the Championship (with the purchase of an adult ticket), ensuring this year’s event a must-attend for the whole family and giving everyone a great opportunity to see their favourite players in action. To avail this special offer, fans must call 800 86 823.

    NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 31: Venus Williams of the United States returns the ball during her women's singles third round match against Serena Williams of the United States on Day Five of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 31, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    Legend of the game: Venus Williams.

    Rashed Al Harmoodi, Head of External Corporate Relations for Mubadala, the title sponsor of the tournament commented: “We’re delighted to return to the Capital for MWTC’s 11th year and are looking forward to welcoming three-time winner Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams on her Championship debut.

    “The tournament showcases Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination on the global sporting stage. As a long-standing partner we have always been committed to maximising the community impact and have helped coordinate a range of activities specially designed to engage and inspire young people around the Championship. We hope this will promote healthy lifestyle choices while building excitement around the event and the sport.”

    John Lickrish, CEO of FLASH Entertainment, added: “The Mubadala World Tennis Championship provides fans unrivalled access to the world’s top tennis players. We’re delighted Novak Djokovic will be returning to the tournament and thrilled to welcome Venus Williams to Abu Dhabi for the first time. The decision to welcome female players last year proved extremely popular; supporting women in tennis is something we will continue to do, especially as the tournament grows in prominence on the global stage.

    “As tickets go on sale, we encourage all fans to take advantage of the early bird promotion and as an added incentive we are offering the three-day packages at a 20% discount thereby enabling families to make the most of a truly spectacular sporting event.”

    Held at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, tickets are priced from AED 100 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ae or by calling 800 86 823 and all Virgin Megastores across the UAE.

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