Flash Entertainment have announced that world number four and defending Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka, will return to Abu Dhabi for the season-opening Mubadala World Tennis Championship from January 1-3 2015.
The Swiss joins the previously announced number one and number two players in the world, and 2014 Grand Slam winners, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Making his Abu Dhabi debut back in 2010, Wawrinka returned to the UAE capital for the 2013 instalment of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship as a top ten player. The Swiss went on to be the ultimate beneficiary of the tournament’s exceptionally high standard of tennis as he went on to win the first major of 2014 just a few weeks later, the Australian Open.
Speaking from the US Open, where the 29 year old has progressed to the fourth round.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to Abu Dhabi to start the year at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. 2014 was a pivotal year in my career, and with Abu Dhabi the first real test of the season it will always hold a special place for me," Wawrinka said.
"Although I didn’t play my best tennis there last year, I was tested and quickly realised I had to improve which produced positive results, especially in Australia. This year I’ll be aiming to get off to an even stronger start and of course I would love to win my first trophy of the year in Abu Dhabi."
Should Wawrinka hope to win his first Mubadala World Tennis Championship title he will most likely have to see off at least one of the world’s top pair and is under no illusion as to the challenge posed:
“It’s the standard of tennis that keeps us coming back to Abu Dhabi; yes it’s hard to get the wins but that’s the only way to improve and we all enjoy those contests," Stanislas admitted.
"For me the Abu Dhabi experience is one where the sun is shining, the stands are packed with fans and you’re challenging yourself against the world’s best players; it’s a unique formula which creates an incredibly positive vibe. It brings out the best in everyone. I want to continue enjoying that feeling and can’t wait to get out there.”
World-class action combined with contagious cheers offers up an electric atmosphere that will start from the very first ball on the opening day of the Championship, Thursday 1st January 2015. The unique combination of a ‘winner takes all’ prize of $250,000, the world’s best players and a Championship format that is the equivalent of a Grand Slam quarter-final, guarantee explosive performances and attacking tennis to thrill crowds on centre court.
In addition to the sensational displays of tennis, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship boasts exciting off-court action in the Tennis Village, where players can be found coaching tennis clinics and signing autographs.
Tickets for January’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastore outlets across the UAE or by calling 800 TM UAE (86 823).
