Dubai: The timing couldn’t have been any better. Even as newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic were heading on a collision course to the final, pat came the announcement that the duo would be heading the field at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship from December 26-28 which features six of the world’s best male tennis players.
The announcement doesn’t come as a surprise though. The tournament is managed by FLASH Entertainment in partnership with Mubadala and IMG with the last named also managing Djokovic and there are now talks of them signing Murray as well. So, don’t be surprised to see the Scot signing for them in the near future.
When asked about that possibility, Greg Sproule, IMG Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa, however, refused to comment. He also refused to rule out the possibility of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal playing in Abu Dhabi in the near future, although both these players have ended their contract with IMG and both have skipped Miami, an IMG organised tournament, this year.
Be that as it may, but the presence of Murray is sure to cheer fans up. Interestingly, the Wimbledon finalists have not faced each other at Zayed Sports City in two previous appearances. Novak Djokovic currently holds the Mubadala World Tennis Championship crown and will be aiming for his third straight win at the tournament this year. Murray took home the inaugural title in 2009 and returned to Abu Dhabi again in 2012 when he suffered a shock first round exit to Serbian, Janko Tipsarevic.
Murray said: “I’ve always received great support when I’ve played in Abu Dhabi and I’m looking forward to getting back on the court and trying to win the title again – like I first did back in 2009.”
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Tickets are already on sale from www.ticketmaster.ae and 800 TM UAE (86 823). Prices start from Dh50 and all tickets sold before September will be entered into a draw to win a VIP tournament experience including the chance to meet Djokovic at the Official Players’ Reception and an overnight stay at the 5-star Yas Viceroy Hotel.
For more information, visit: www.mubadalawtc.com
