Spanish tennis star David Ferrer aims to win the Mubadala World Tennis Championship when he returns to Abu Dhabi in December.
Ferrer reached the final in 2011 but is hoping to go one step further this year and claim victory on December 28.
The Spaniard has been in impressive form this season, reaching a career-high ranking of No3 in the world.
Ferrer also reached his first Grand Slam final at the French Open and won his 20th ATP singles trophy to qualify for the end of season ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The 31 year old spoke of his excitement about playing in the UAE and competing for the Mubadala title.
“I always enjoy playing in Abu Dhabi but I haven’t won there – yet. This year I’m going into the tournament with more confidence and feel 2013 could be my best chance of taking home the title,” said Ferrer.
“The fans in Abu Dhabi have given me great support over the last few years and it would be an honour to lift the trophy in front of them.
“It won’t be easy this year against such a strong line up but I’m ready to give it my all,” he added.
Ferrer goes into the tournament as the third seed, behind Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The Spanish No2 kicks off his campaign against world number eight, Stanislas Wawrinka. With Wawrinka victorious in the pair’s previous two matches, it will be difficult challenge – a fact Ferrer is fully aware of.
“It certainly won’t be an easy task to reach the semi-finals – Stanislas had a great season in 2013 and I’m sure he’ll come back strong."
However, should Ferrer make the semi-finals the 31 year old could meet his fellow countryman, Rafael Nadal – a prospect which excites him.
“If I do make it to face Nadal it will be a good chance for me to play the world number one going into the new season and I hope whatever the outcome, we’ll do our country proud in Abu Dhabi.”
Six of the world’s top ten players will compete for the title in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrer, Wawrinka and Nadal will be joined by world No2 Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and world No10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
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