Jo-Wilfried Tsonga targeting strong showing at 2016 Mubadala World Tennis Championship

The former World No.5 and 2008 Australian Open runner-up made a whistle-stop visit to Abu Dhabi on Monday to support the draw for the ninth edition of the prestigious event, which takes place at the International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City, from December 29-31.

Tsonga, 31, has endured a difficult season through injury but is now fully fit and ready to start his pre-season training as early as next week in preparation for 2017.

And, after lending a helping hand to stars of the future as part of the Mubadala Tennis in Schools programme, the two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist was drawn against Belgian debutant David Goffin in his first match in the UAE next month.

The opening day also witnesses the mouth-watering prospect of three-time MWTC champion and 14-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal play long-time rival Tomas Berdych.

New World No.1 Andy Murray and No. 4 Milos Raonic received byes until day two, when they will face the winners of day one on December 30. The finals will take place on December 31 to conclude the year and the tournament in style.