Abu Dhabi: World number four Stanislas Wawrinka hopes to use the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi as a springboard to further success in 2016.
The big-hitting Swiss won his first grand slam at the Australian Open in 2014 and, in June this year, claimed his second major title with victory at the French Open.
Wawrinka will begin his 2016 season at the Mubadala event, which also features Rafael Nadal, Milos Raonic, Kevin Anderson, David Ferrer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, between December 31 and January 2.
On Monday, he said he is eyeing another strong season and believes he has not yet fulfilled his potential.
“You always have to believe you can win,” the 30-year-old said. “You must believe you can be the best in the world and, of course, I am aiming for the top.
“The past few seasons have been really strong for me and there is a connection to Abu Dhabi in there for sure. I’ve been out here a number of times and have gone on to win big tournaments in the season, so there is definitely a positive link.
“I’ll be looking to revive that positive springboard effect this year and continue on an upward trajectory. I have many goals which I have not yet achieved and over the next season I will be working to reach them.”
“I want to win more big titles, but there are many good players out there and to do that will require being in the best possible place, mentally and physically,” Wawrinka added.
“Key to that success will be a strong start to the season and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship gives me that.
“The line-up is strong, I know how tough it will be to beat these guys but if I can take the trophy in Abu Dhabi, then I will be really happy and yeah, winning a title on day one of the season is never going to be a bad thing.”
Wawrinka lost to Mubadala World Tennis Championship rival Rafael Nadal in his opening match of the ATP World Tour Finals in London in November, before being beaten in the semi-finals by compatriot Roger Federer.
He will get a bye into the second day of this year’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship, which takes place at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre. He will face the winner of the match between the Abu Dhabi debutants, Milos Raonic and Kevin Anderson, which takes place on the opening day.
He then could face 14-time grand slam champion Nadal in the final on January 2, if the Spaniard beats the winner of the David Ferrer-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga clash.
Tickets are available for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastores, or by calling 800 TMUAE (86 823) or +971 4 3662289 for international calls.
Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket-holders can benefit from a 20 per cent discount on Category 2 tickets for the event through the Y1 Access programme.
For more information about MWTC 2016, visit www.mubadalawtc.com or www.facebook.com/mubadalaworldtennischampionship.
