Abu Dhabi: The eyes of the tennis fraternity will be rivetted to a three-day tennis festival when the top four of men’s tennis, alongwith some of the other big names, converge for the season opening Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the Zayed Sports City from Thursday.
Reigning champion Novak Djokovic returns to the capital looking for an unprecedented third title, while world No. 1 Rafael Nadal will be gunning for revenge for the loss that he suffered against the Serbian world No.2 at the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
“2013 has been one of my greatest achievements – coming back from injury to win two Grand Slams, regaining the world number one spot and finishing the season there has been incredible.
“Now, it’s time to relax and prepare for the new season. I love playing in Abu Dhabi as it gives me the chance to test myself again after the off season.
“I’ve won there twice and I am definitely hoping to make it lucky number three this year,” said Nadal, who along with Djokovic has received a bye to Day II.
Nadal will be taking on either World No. 3 David Ferrer or Stanislas Wawrinka on December 27. The second semi-final will follow, with Djokovic facing either Andy Murray or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. If Nadal and Djokovic both make it through the semis, the fans may get the treat of the season’s first dream final.
“The line-up this year is the most formidable yet, so I have my work cut out. But looking towards the 2014 season, I want to be challenged and this competition continues to deliver the perfect platform for me ahead of the season’s first major in Australia,” said Djokovic, who has roped in the legendary Boris Becker to win back his top billing.
Ferrer followed Djokovic and became the second top-three player to change coaches last week. The World No. 3 has ended his 15-year relationship with coach Javier Piles. Ferrer, who made it to the French Open finals last season, was keen to keep up the good work.
“Of course, I made it to the Grand Slam finals this year; I want to be in the top 10 where the best players are. I would like to concentrate on the Abu Dhabi tournament and the Australian. I will then set my next goal but the main thing is to be in the top 10,” said the 31-year-old.
The Abu Dhabi tournament will give Murray a good idea on how much he has recovered from the back surgery and the Scot is raring to go.
“My training has gone very well but till the time you don’t play many matches, you don’t know how good your body is.
So therefore, I can’t set any goals right now. I will be playing the best and will get to know what my weaknesses are, as others would look to exploit that,” said the fourth ranked Murray, who will figure in the Boxing Day match against Tsonga.
Wawrinka is also keen on building on the success that he enjoyed last season. “I will play my first matches of the season there and I’m excited to see how it goes.
“We want to treat our fans with some great tennis and want them to have fun. The line-up is amazing and the fans will surely see some great matches,” revealed the World No 8.
