The future of UAE tennis will take to the court this weekend as the Under-14’s round of the annual Mubadala Community Cup powered by Healthpoint takes place at Meydan Tennis Academy in Dubai.
The countdown to the eighth Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) is well underway with excitement building amongst the UAE’s local tennis players as they prepare for the final rounds of the latest instalment of the grassroots competition – the Mubadala Community Cup presented by Healthpoint Hospital.
Shaped to leave a legacy beyond the three days of the MWTC, the Mubadala Community Cup presented by Healthpoint Hospital is a tournament for aspiring players from across the region to build and improve upon their skills through competition.
– Tennis: Murray eyes Davis Cup relief for ATP Tour Finals pain
– Abu Dhabi: Sports Council interested in hosting ATP event
– Pat Cash: I’d help Rafael Nadal return to tennis’ top table
It will run until 12 December 2015 after which the eventual winner, runners-up and lucky raffle picks from each group will meet their tennis heroes on court during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, 31 December 2015 – 2 January 2016.
Filling the lineup at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship year will be fourteen-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal, reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka alongside ATP World Tour top ten favourites David Ferrer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Making their debuts in Abu Dhabi will be breakthrough stars Milos Raonic of Canada and South Africa’s Kevin Anderson – two players who have proven their talents at the highest levels of the sport.
Firmly established as one of the region’s largest amateur tennis tournaments, players from across the Emirates and the region are honing their talents as they battle for glory in a round-robin format across six age groups.
It’s here! The match schedule for the #MWTC2016. Make sure you get your tickets now! #AceYourNewYear pic.twitter.com/ORA2ZSycft
— MWTC (@MubadalaTennis) November 14, 2015
This year there are new opportunities for Dubai-based men to compete in the Men’s Singles category as well as the new Pro-Am category, in which teams consist of a coach (Pro) paired with two of their 15-16 year old male or female students (Amateur).
The new category is formatted as a timed tie-break doubles event with this year’s tournament also adding a Ladies Doubles category which will take place in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
The Mubadala Community Cup’s inter-Emirate play-off will make a welcome return after being added to the programme two years ago.
With the pride of the nation at stake, winners from Abu Dhabi will take on winners from Dubai during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in December where the UAE’s ultimate Community Cup Champion will be crowned.
Speaking on behalf of title sponsor Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi based investment and development company, Nadine Saleh Hassan, Head of Integrated Marketing and Outreach for Mubadala said: “The Mubadala Community Cup presented by Healthpoint Hospital is a fantastic opportunity for tennis fans in the UAE and across the region.
“Through fun competition members of the community can learn good sportsmanship and strong values, all while enjoying the health benefits of exercise through tennis.
“The event continues to grow, with more new categories being introduced, meaning the positive platform provided by the tournament is extended to even more people.”
The upcoming edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship will take place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi with six of the sport’s superstars, Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Milos Raonic, Stan Wawrinka, Kevin Anderson and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga already confirmed as part of the star-studded line up.
Tickets for the annual tennis season opener are available atwww.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE, or by calling 800 TM UAE (86 823) or +971 4 3662289 for International calls.
