Abu Dhabi: The defending three-time Mubadala World Tennis Championship champion Rafael Nadal will have to win matches on all three days of the tournament next month if he is to claim a fourth title in Abu Dhabi.
The world No. 8 will take on Tomas Berdych in the second match of the annual exhibition event, which takes place at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City between December 29-31.
Meanwhile, the top seed and newly crowned world No. 1, Andy Murray, receives a bye and will play the winner of the Thursday’s opening match between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and David Goffin on the second day.
The world No. 11 Goffin is the only player in the six-strong line-up making his debut.
On the other side of the draw will be the big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic, who will face the winner of the Nadal-Berdych encounter.
Murray, who beat Nadal to win the inaugural event in 2009, will be chasing a third title in the UAE capital.
Tsonga, who will be competing in his fifth Mubadala tournament and is the current world No. 12, flew in specially for the draw, which was performed on the venue’s centre court.
“I’m really happy to be here, I always enjoy coming here,” said the 31-year-old. “For me it’s the best warm-up for the Australian Open. You play against the best players in the world, you can compare your preparation to their preparation. The conditions are always good, we always get a good welcome, so it’s great to be back again.
“All the guys who come here really want to test their games. They play full tennis. It’s a competition that is hard to win and I know because I’ve never won it.”
John Lickrish, chief executive officer at co-organisers FLASH Entertainment, added: “Having Jo-Wilfred Tsonga here with us to unveil what signifies another brilliant start to the tournament has added further excitement to this year’s edition. We have confirmed an incredible line-up of talent again this year, including World No 1 Andy Murray and current MWTC champion Rafael Nadal.
“It is truly one of the best Mubadala World Tennis Championships we have seen to date. Although we can’t predict who win on the opening day, we can guarantee world-class, unmissable action in every match.”
Tickets to the 2016 Mubadala World Tennis Championship start from Dh50 for Category 2 seating. Exclusive premier hospitality packages are also available, including food and limited beverages, star player meet-and-greets and courtside seating.
Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket-holders redeeming their Y1 Access benefits receive a 20 per cent discount on Category 2 tickets. Y1 Access is the money-off advantage programme for Abu Dhabi GP ticket-holders and is offered for selected FLASH events until February 2017. For further information, visit www.yasalam.ae.
For more information about the 2016 Mubadala Tennis World Championship, visit www.mubadalawtc.com and www.facebook.com/mubadalaworldtennischampionship.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Thursday, December 29 (from 5pm)
1. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs David Goffin
2. Rafael Nadal vs Tomas Berdych
Friday, December 30 (from 5pm)
1. Andy Murray vs Tsonga/Goffin
2. Milos Raonic vs Nadal/Berdych
Saturday, December 31
1. 3rd/4th place play-off (1pm)
2. Final (3pm)
