Two former Mubadala World Tennis Championship players will make their return to the Abu Dhabi’s International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, when the 12th edition of Arabian Gulf’s leading tennis experience swings into action on Thursday, 19 December.
Russian duo Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, who made their championship debuts in 2018 and 2017 respectively, have added their names to the eight-player line-up that will compete in eight top-class matches from 19 – 21 December.
For Khachanov, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is a chance to build on a strong 2019 which saw him reach the quarter-finals of the French Open and reach a career high of No. 8 in the world.
“I can’t wait to return to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and to Abu Dhabi after a great experience last year. The weather is fantastic and the fans really know their tennis. The set-up is superb, the crowd can really get involved, and it also offers the perfect opportunity to get the new season off and running with some hard matches,” said Khachanov, who has won four ATP titles and will face Hyeon Chung in the second match on Day 1.
On the other side of the draw, Rublev is looking forward to making his return to Abu Dhabi where he will face 2019 ATP Tour Finals winner Stefanos Tsitsipas in the championship opener at 4pm.
“I was fortunate enough to experience this championship a couple of years ago. With a very strong line-up, it’s an opportunity to start the season with very competitive matches. The people of Abu Dhabi are great and I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones,” said Rublev, who faced Tsitsipas in the semi-finals of the 2018 ATP Next Gen Finals.
Khachanov and Rublev have replaced fellow Russian Daniil Medvedev and Frenchman Gael Monfils, who have been forced to withdraw through injury. Medvedev was looking forward to a strong maiden showing in Abu Dhabi event and expressed his disappointment at missing out.
“I was really looking forward to making my debut in Abu Dhabi. So, it is with deep regret that I have had to withdraw through injury. I hope to make the trip in the future, and I wish everyone a hugely successful championship,” said Medvedev.
Monfils, who was excited to make his second appearance at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship after a nine-year absence, said: “I always enjoy coming to Abu Dhabi and was excited to be playing there once again. Due to injury, that’s not going to be possible, but I hope to see you all soon.”
The winners of the two men’s matches on Day 1 will face the world’s top two players, World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and World No. 2 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Friday, 20 December. Day 1 will conclude with five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova taking on Australian Fed Cup finalist Ajla Tomljanovic (not before 8pm).
The Best on and off court
Aside from the best live tennis action on court, ticket holders can make the most of excellent food and beverage offerings in the Tennis Village, tennis clinics, autograph and Q&A sessions with the players and a host of tennis-themed activities and competitions offering great prizes.
Fun competitions in the village include the chance to win a year’s free Deliveroo (worth AED 30,000) and daily exercise classes from Abu Dhabi fitness chain The Room. A recent Yasalam Emerging Talent Competition participant will entertain the crowds with a live set on day two, while the village will also be home to the Mubadala Interactive Zone featuring games and challenges.
Day 1 is Kids’ Day, with children 12 and under going FREE! Kids’ Day activities begin at 2pm with a Q&A with a star player offering the chance for young fans to ask one of the world’s best players anything they want, as well an autographing signing with World No. 1 Rafael Nadal!
Children can compete in a tennis challenge featuring 10 stations. Completion of all 10 activities will see the youngsters entered into a draw for great prizes.
To further enhance the experience, Mubadala World Tennis Championship has partnered with ride-hailing app Careem to offer 20% discount on rides to and from the venue using the code MUBADALAWTC in addition to a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.
Tickets start from AED 100 for Adults and are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae or by calling 800 86 823 from within the UAE or +971 4 366 2289 from outside the country, and at all Virgin Megastores across the UAE. 3 Day Packages are also available with savings of 20%.
Premier Hospitality Packages are also available, offering fans a premium F&B menu, courtside seating, exclusive Q&A sessions with a star player and much more. More details are available on www.mubadalawtc.com.
Ticket Prices (AED)
| Categories | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Premier | AED 795.00 | AED 1,395.00 | AED 1,795.00 |
| Category 1 (Adult) | AED 250.00 | AED 450.00 | AED 650.00 |
| Category 1 (Child 2-12) | FREE* | AED 350.00 | AED 450.00 |
| Category 2 (Adult) | AED 100.00 | AED 250.00 | AED 300.00 |
| Category 2 (Child 2-12) | FREE* | AED 150.00 | AED 200.00 |
| 3-Day Package – Premier | AED 3,188.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 1 (Adult) | AED 1,080.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 1 (Child 2-12) | AED 640.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 2 (Adult) | AED 520.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 2 (Child 2-12) | AED 280.00 | ||
*Children aged 12 and under enter free on Day 1 with a purchase of an Adult Ticket by calling 800 86 823 or International +971 4 366 2289
