The winter months in the UAE come alive with sporting activity as the biggest names in world sport descend upon the region. This year is no different as December sees the return of Abu Dhabi’s much-loved tennis tournament, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Launched in 2008, the MWTC, has seen the world’s best players compete in the Middle East, including Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Serena Williams.
The custom-made event pits players against each other in a single elimination series of matches, in a tournament format spanning three days. Stars such as Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedevand Maria Sharapovahave all been confirmed for the 2019 edition, which takes place from 19th– 21stDecember, a week earlier than previous years. This is a conscious decision by event organisers, Flash Entertainment, in a bid to increase international attendance at the event, as pre-Christmas tourists combine world-class tennis action with Abu Dhabi’s distinct blend of hospitality, culture, and tolerance. The championship will be broadcast in over 150 countries and will see over 160 volunteers, and 40 ball kids ensuring the championship runs smoothly.
Nadal, now ranked number one in the world, is looking to secure a record-breaking fifth MWTC title, having already won four championships, his most recent came back in 2016 thanks to victory over David Goffin. The Spaniard moved back to the top of the world rankings despite being forced to pull out of last week’s Paris Masters semi final, against Denis Shapovalov, due to injury.
Up close: Fans have the chance to meet their idols
Keen to bridge the gap between players and spectators, the MWTC provides fans with access to players off the court, as well as watching them on it. Ticket holders have the opportunity to get autographs, meet the players, and gain an insight into training sessions. With a festival feel to it, the event has a number of interactive activities within the Tennis Village and, for the second year running, children aged between 2-12 years enter free on day one with a paying adult. For those really looking to get involved there’s the special Mubadala Community Cup (MCC) tournament, giving amateur players from around the region a special platform to showcase their skills.
The matches take place at the International Tennis Centre, which has a capacity of 5,000 fans, located at the state-of-the-art Zayed Sports City. Maria Sharapova vs. Amanda Anisimovais a confirmed fixture, as the superstars prepare to serve up a treat for the UAE fans ahead of the festive holidays.The venue, which was opened to the public in 2004, features nine tennis courts including the outdoor stadium court and accommodates all levels of play – from ATP matches to junior tennis lessons. Spread across 600m2 indoor event space, the venue also features two exhibition courts with 500 seats each.
Since the championship began, Mubadala has been supporting the championship as its title sponsor, and also supports the sport globally, title sponsor for the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, in San Jose, California, US, a premier event on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) schedule, and the Rio Open, in Brazil, an ATP 500 tournament.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are on sale exclusively at www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE. For the second year running, day one is Kids’ Day with children 12 and under entering for free with the purchase of an adult ticket by calling 800 86 823 from within the UAE or +971 4 366 2289 from outside the country. Three-day packages are also available with savings of 20%. Premier Hospitality Packages offer fans courtside seating, exclusive Q&A sessions with a star player and a supreme F&B menu with an exceptional service and bar access as well as reserved parking.
HONOUR ROLL
As the Mubadala World Tennis Championship enters its 12thedition, here’s look the tournament’s previous winners.
Men’s singles
2009 – Andy Murray
2010 – Rafael Nadal
2011 (Jan) – Rafael Nadal
2011 (Dec)– Novak Djokovic
2012 – Novak Djokovic
2013 – Novak Djokovic
2015 – Andy Murray
2016 – Rafael Nadal
2016 – Rafael Nadal
2017 – Kevin Anderson
2018 – Novak Djokovic
Women’s singles
2017 – Jelena Ostapenko
2018 – Venue Williams
FULL SCHEDULE
Thursday, Dec 18
12:00 pm – Tennis Village Opens
2:00 pm – Kids Activities
2:30 pm – Hospitality Opens
4:00 pm – Match 1
6:00 pm – Match 2
8:00 pm – Maria Sharapova Vs. Amanda Anisimova
Friday, Dec 20 – All men play on Day 2
12:00 pm – Tennis Village Opens (Star Player Clinics)
2:00 pm – Hospitality Opens
3:00 pm – 5th Place Match
5:00 pm – Semi Final 1
7:00 pm – Semi Final 2
Saturday, Dec 21
12:00 pm – Tennis Village Opens (Star Player Clinics)
3:00 pm – Hospitality Opens & Autographs
5:00 pm – 3rd Place Match
7:00 pm – Final Match
9:00 pm – Award Ceremony