Rafael Nadal will make his competitive return to the courts at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) in Abu Dhabi this December, organisers announced on Monday as they revealed the full line-up for the marquee six-player field.
Nadal, who pulled the plug on his 2016 season early to fully recover from a wrist injury, joins newly-minted world No1 Andy Murray, Canadian world No4 Milos Raonic, No10 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, 12th-ranked Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Abu Dhabi debutant David Goffin in the ninth edition of the capital showpiece.
The Spanish former world No1, down to No8 this week having ended his season following an opening round exit in Shanghai last month, is the defending champion in Abu Dhabi and is set for his eighth appearance at the International Tennis Complex of Zayed Sports City.
“I really enjoy the fans, the competition and the atmosphere in the stadium in Abu Dhabi,” Nadal said.
“It is the best way to start my season. I’ve enjoyed many years playing in the UAE capital against the other top guys and I’m already looking forward to the next. After playing in Abu Dhabi I went on to play some great matches on the tour at the start of the year and I’ll be hoping for even better this time.”
Nadal beat Raonic in the final of the previous edition of the MWTC and will be seeking a third trophy in the UAE capital.
Apparently it was tweeners galore today during Rafa Nadal's kids' clinic #MWTC2016 pic.twitter.com/rvgdbetQQ2
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) January 1, 2016
This year’s event takes place from December 29-31. It offers a $250,000 winner-takes-all prize pot and acts as the ultimate warm-up for top players before the new season kicks off.
Goffin is the only player out of the six who will be making a first appearance in Abu Dhabi.
The Belgian world No11 has enjoyed a breakthrough 2016, reaching a grand slam quarter-final for the first time in Paris and making the fourth round at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.
“It’s going to be amazing to compete in Abu Dhabi and I am really proud to be selected amongst such a world class line-up,” said Goffin.
“I’ve heard great things about the quality of the tournament and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and the fans in this part of the world. The competition is going to be very strong and it’s a great time of year to be playing tennis of such a high standard.”
Fans looking to watch Nadal launch his comeback from injury or catch new world No1 Murray and Co. in action can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastores across the UAE, or by calling 800 TM UAE (86 823) locally and +971 4 3662289 internationally.
