The Spanish duo of Nicolas Almagro and Feliciano Lopez will replace Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gaël Monfils at the forthcoming Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
Tsonga has been forced to make a last minute withdrawal from the upcoming event in Abu Dhabi due to an arm injury while Monfils suffered a torn hamstring earlier this week.
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Speaking following his withdrawal Tsonga said: “Unfortunately my team have advised me that I need to rest my arm in order to give myself the best possible chance for success in 2015. I am very disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year in Abu Dhabi.”
Nicolas Almagro will return to the capital for a second time, having exhilarated fans by reaching the final two years ago, finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic in a thrilling match.
He will open his 2015 campaign on day one of the annual tournament against reigning Australian Open Champion, Stan Wawrinka, and if he makes it through that match, will have another chance against Djokovic on day two.
"The tournament will give me a great opportunity to play against the top players in the world and of course I’ll be hoping to repeat the success I had two years ago although I know it will be tough,” Almagro commented.
Monfils will also be withdrawing from the tourament following an injury and is set to be replaced by World No14 Lopez.
After a strong performance at Wimbledon earlier in the year the Spaniard went on to beat Rafael Nadal in Shanghai, a defeat the world number three could look to exact revenge for in the competition.
Six of the world’s best players will compete for the title in Abu Dhabi with Almagro and Lopez joined by world number one Djokovic, world number three Nadal, Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray.
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.
