Abu Dhabi – (1 November 2010): FLASH Entertainment, the region’s premier live events company, in partnership with Mubadala, the strategic investment and development company, has announced one of the strongest line-ups of world tennis stars ever to compete in the Middle East for this year’s eagerly anticipated Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship has secured six of the world’s leading players, with World No. 1 Rafael Nadal returning to the Emirate, alongside No. 2 Roger Federer, Marcos Baghdatis, Robin Soderling, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, to complete an all star line-up.
A highly sought-after ticket in the previous two years, this world-class tournament will return to the recently upgraded Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City from the 30th December 2010 to 1st January 2011.
Leading the player line-up, reigning tournament champion Nadal said;
“Abu Dhabi is a very special place to me. I’ve enjoyed the best season of my career so far and it all started with a victory in Abu Dhabi, so it holds great memories. The early season momentum gained in Abu Dhabi is good preparation for the Australian Open.”
The 24-year-old Spaniard followed up his season opening win in Abu Dhabi writing his name into the record books, by becoming just the seventh player in history and the youngest player in the Open Era, to complete the Career Grand-Slam. Eager to return, Nadal added;
“Everything about Abu Dhabi and the tournament from the weather, facilities and the atmosphere in the stadium, make it the ideal place to start my season. Having seen the strength of the field, I look forward to returning to defend my title in a fantastic city that loves tennis and is emerging as one of the world’s great sporting destinations.”
This year’s new partnership with title sponsor Mubadala builds on the championship’s commitment to encourage the residents of Abu Dhabi to get involved in sports and lead a healthier lifestyle.
Speaking at the tournament’s launch, John Lickrish, Managing Director, FLASH Entertainment commented;
“The global tennis season starts right here in Abu Dhabi with the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Every single player is of grand-slam pedigree, with each having played in or won at least one grand-slam final, so it is going to be intense on-court action from start to finish.
“This year we are excited to welcome Mubadala onboard as our title sponsor, an organization that shares our ambition for the future of the championship. The stage is set for the people of the UAE and around the globe, to enjoy a world-class event live from the capital.”
Kate Triggs, Executive Director, Mubadala Group Communications, said;
“We are delighted to welcome the world’s best players to Abu Dhabi for what will be an unforgettable three days of world-class competition. We hope that the tournament, and the accompanying community initiatives, will inspire the local community to take up the sport.”
In the run up to the event a number of community initiatives are taking place, including the Mubadala Tennis in School program, which provides free coaching and equipment for children between the ages of seven and twelve, and the Mubadala Community Cup – a community tournament for tennis enthusiasts running across the Emirates. A Tennis Village, which will be free to the public, will also offer a range of activities including player signings, practice sessions and competitions.
Announcing his return to Abu Dhabi for the third straight year, all-time leader in men’s tennis with 16 Grand Slam singles titles, Federer, said;
“To win the Mubadala World Tennis Championship against such a strong field will be the perfect start to the 2011 season, as this world class tournament has put Abu Dhabi on the global tennis stage. The city’s genuine commitment to support the growth of tennis in the region is exciting and inspiring, and makes it personally rewarding to play here as part of this celebration of tennis. Abu Dhabi is a place I always want to win in.”
The Championship runs from 30th December 2010 to 1st January 2011 and tickets are available now www.thinkflash.ae or call 800 FLASH (35274). For more information visit - www.mubadalawtc.com.
Schedule of Play:
• Thursday 30 December: Match 1 at 3:00pm followed by Match 2
• Friday 31 December: Match 1 at 3:00pm followed by Match 2
• Saturday 1 January: Match 1 at 3:00pm 3rd V 4th Playoff Match
• Saturday 1 January: Match 2 at 5:00pm Final
