Abu Dhabi: The tournament buzz continued at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sports City Tennis Stadium here on Friday, with plenty of action from young UAE stars at the three-day event.
Day two kicked off with the winners of the Mubadala Community Cup honing their skills in star player clinics.
The under-16s practiced their game with world number 14 Feliciano Lopez, while his fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro shared his knowledge with winners of the adult category.
Speaking after his on-court clinic with Lopez, 15-year-old Saif Mana’a said: “It was a terrific experience. I was a bit nervous at the beginning, but Lopez gave me the thumbs-up once I started. He’s a really kind guy and I hope he goes on to win his match today.”
The excitement continued with an inter-emirate showdown as winners of the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Mubadala Community Cup competitions — and future stars of tennis in the UAE — battled it out for the pride of the nation.
Alex Smith, aged 15 and winner of the Mubadala Community Cup under-16s Abu Dhabi-Dubai play-off, said: “I’m pleased to get the win for Dubai, it was a good game on both parts and well played by my opponent.”
Almagro also headed into the crowds for an autograph signing session in the Tennis Village ahead of his fifth/sixth place play-off against Feliciano Lopez.
After the match, the pair played a doubles match against two top Emirati players, Mahmoud Nader and Abdul Rahman Al Janahi.
Limited tickets for Saturday’s day three are still available.
Visit www.ticketmaster.ae, any Virgin Megastore outlet across the UAE, call 800 TM UAE (800 86 823) or visit the box office at Zayed Sports City. Prices start from Dh200 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, visit www.mubadalawtc.com and www.facebook.com/mubadalaworldtennischampionship.
