Feliciano Lopez sets sights on future starting in Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Sport360 staff 10:42 27/12/2014
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  • High hopes: Feliciano Lopez looks forward to a challenging 2015 Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

    Following a hugely successful 2014, Feliciano Lopez is counting to his debut appearance at the 2015 Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi where he completes an all-star lineup, with the Spaniard looking to get his new season off to a winning start.

    – Lopez and Almagro to replace Tsonga and Monfils at MWTC
    – Wawrinka aiming for success at MWTC

    Lopez goes into the New Year high in confidence having achieved his highest ever position in the ATP World Tour Rankings. The world number 14 was able to climb up the standings after a solid 2014 which began with the successful defence of his Eastbourne crown, the 4th ATP title of his career.  He also appeared in the final at Queens and reached the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto.

    His great form on the ATP World Tour Masters tournaments continued with a two sets victory over World Number 3 and fellow countryman Rafael Nadal in Shanghai where he advanced to the semi-final. It proved to be the catalyst for a career best record as days later he was announced as the #14 tennis player in the world.

    It is wins, such as that secured over Nadal in 2014 that Lopez will be looking to emulate as he prepares to open the calendar year at the star-studded Mubadala World Tennis Championship and he commented:

    “I’m really looking forward to my first appearance here in Abu Dhabi. 2014 was a big year for me. I reached my highest ever ranking on the ATP World Tour and was able to add to my list of titles which is something I’m hoping to build upon further in 2015.

    "With the quality of opposition I believe kick starting the year in Abu Dhabi is the perfect way to keep my momentum going but it’s going to be tough with the quality of talent I’ll be up against.

    "I’m aiming to start quickly in the first match as there would be no better way to build on last year than with a win in my first few matches of 2015.”

    Should he succeed in his opening match against British number 1 Andy Murray on Day One, Lopez will be hoping to get the chance to make it two wins out of two against Rafael Nadal . 

    The Spanish pair are on the same side of the draw and would meet on Day Two of the tournament with Nadal sure to be keen on an opportunity to exact revenge for his Shanghai loss.

    “The draw is extremely tough, there are no easy matches. First up for me is Andy Murray and if I am able win that match then I’ll have to face off against Rafa which, in Abu Dhabi, would be an amazing match to play.

    "I’m all set for an exciting few days in the UAE playing against some of the greatest players in the game, so it should be a very special weekend.”

    Six of the world’s best players will compete for the title in Abu Dhabi with Lopez joined by world number one Novak Djokovic, world number three Rafael Nadal, Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka, British Number one Andy Murray and the 2012 Finalist Nicolas Almagro.

    Between them, this year’s line-up hold 24 Grand Slam titles and all three previous tournament champions will return to the capital in January.

    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 (800 86 823).

    Prices start from AED 50 for upper bowl seating, with exclusive premier hospitality packages also available including food and beverage offers, star player meet and greets and premier stadium seating.

    For more information:www.mubadalawtc.com and www.facebook.com/mubadalaworldtennischampionship 

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