Day 1 of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2019 will record another on-court first when five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova takes on Australian Fed Cup finalist Ajla Tomljanović in the women’s match on Thursday 19 December at Abu Dhabi’s International Tennis Centre, at Zayed Sports City.
Not only will the match-up mark Mubadala World Championship debuts for both players, it will also be a first-ever on-court encounter between the pair, who have played more than 1,300 WTA singles matches combined.
The meeting will complete an intriguing end to the opening day of the three-day festival of tennis and entertainment, which runs from 19 – 21 December. It will represent a chance for Tomljanovic to continue her great form which saw her play a leading role in helping Australia reach their first Fed Cup final since 1993.
Tomljanović will be the first Australian, male or female, to feature at the Mubadala World Championship where she replaces Amanda Anisimova who has picked up an injury.
With more than 300 WTA singles victories to her name, Tomljanovic is seeking to use her Mubadala World Tennis Championship debut as a springboard to a successful 2020 season.
“I’ve heard amazing things about Abu Dhabi and the championship, and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of this crowd against Maria. It will give the perfect challenge ahead of a big season,” said Tomljanović.
Anisimova is understandably disappointed to miss out on making her championship debut in Abu Dhabi and a chance to play in the UAE capital.
“It’s really disappointing to have to withdraw from the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. I was looking forward so much to coming to Abu Dhabi and I hope to make the trip in the future,” said the 18-year-old.
Tomljanović though, will be seeking to capitalise on the hard courts at Abu Dhabi’s International Tennis Centre, and will be sure to put on a show for fans in Abu Dhabi.
Doors to the Tennis Village open at 12pm on Day 1 with World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas taking on world No. 10 Gaël Monfils in the first match at 4pm, followed by World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev vs Hyeon Chung, before the women take center stage.
The BEST live action and free entry for kids on Day 1 at Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2019
Spectators can expect yet another exciting edition to the championship this December. Aside from the best live tennis action on court, ticket holders can make the most of excellent food and beverage offerings in the Tennis Village, tennis clinics, Q&A sessions with the players and a host of tennis-themed activities and competitions offering great prizes. Demonstrating the Championship’s appeal as a fun family day out, Day 1 is also Kids’ Day, with children 12 and under going FREE!
Tickets start from AED 100 for Adults and are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae or by calling 800 86 823 from within the UAE or +971 4 366 2289 from outside the country, and at all Virgin Megastores across the UAE. 3 Day Packages are also available with savings of 20%.
Premier Hospitality Packages are also available, offering fans a premium F&B menu, courtside seating, exclusive Q&A sessions with a star player and much more. More details are available on www.mubadalawtc.com.
