Dubai: Sixteen-time Grand Slam Champion Roger Federer has set his sights firmly on reclaiming his world number one spot and sees a first win in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship as the perfect way to kick-start the 2012 season.
Federer has played in all three previous Abu Dhabi World Championships with his best finish coming last year when he advanced to final against eventual champion Rafael Nadal.
The Swiss maestro is aiming to improve his record in the capital and get his season off to the best possible start ahead of the Australian Open in January following a huge successful end to the 2011 season.
Flash Entertainment, the region's premier live events company, in partnership with title sponsor Mubadala and event organiser IMG have secured an all-star line-up, with sell-out crowds expected for all three days of this world-class championship, which returns to the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City from December 29 to 31.
Federer will be the focus of attention on the second day of the championship as part of the strongest ever line-up to play in Abu Dhabi and anywhere around the world outside the ATP World Tour Season in 2011.
The potential mouthwatering semi-final clashes see Federer play in the first semi-final against the winner of Djokovic and Monfils, while World No 2 and 10-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal lies in wait for the victor of Ferrer and Tsonga, another tantalising prospect.
By his exemplary standards, the early part of 2011 saw some indifferent results for Federer. But like all truly great champions this has only served to make the Swiss superstar even more determined to regain his past crowns and the coveted ATP number one spot.
He comes to Abu Dhabi on the back of a 17-match unbeaten run and finished the year in ominous form with a record-breaking sixth victory at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
"For me, it was the strongest finish I've ever had in my career, which I'm very proud of. I'm already looking forward to the new season which for me starts at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. I've feel my game is in really good shape and the desire to train hard remains. Everything is in a good place and to continue the winning in Abu Dhabi would be a good start to the new season," Federer said.
"Each year the support I receive is amazing and appreciated. The fans in Abu Dhabi give me a great welcome and its part of the reason I come back. It would be nice to get an early win for the fans but also to see where my game is ahead of the Australian Open," he said.
Federer's career achievements are unsurpassed. He has won more Grand Slam tournaments than any other player (16), played in the most Grand Slam finals (23) and spent the longest consecutive period as world number one (237 weeks). He is even the only living person to appear on a Swiss postage stamp! Many people believe he is the greatest tennis player in history - and he's still only 30.
Federer is also well known for his charitable work through the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports early learning and education projects in southern Africa and promotes young sporting talent in Switzerland. This willingness to invest in young people will see Federer join the other tennis superstars at the Mubadala World Championship in meeting fans at the Zayed Sports City Tennis Village throughout the tournament.
From 10am on Day 1, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will be holding player clinics, before signing autographs in the afternoon. From midday, Roger Federer and David Ferrer will sign autographs and answer questions in the special Kids' Question Time session in the Tennis Village. All the other players will join the fun in holding clinics on the mornings of Days 2 or 3.
The village opens at 9:30am on Day 1 and entry, meeting the stars and soaking up the tennis atmosphere are all free as part of day or package tickets.
This year's tournament also gives the entire family the opportunity to soak up the winter sun and enjoy the open greenery of the Family Picnic Area. Its prime location in front of the Radio 1 and 2 stage and right next to all the action means the entertainment comes to you.
Tickets for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City can be purchased now from www.thinkflash.ae or by calling 800 FLASH (35274). For more information visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
