Andy Murray’s straight-set win over Novak Djokovic at the World Tour Finals seemed like only yesterday, but the world’s elite are already making their final preparations for the start of the new season.
Later this week six out of the world’s top 12 players on the ATP Tour will grace their presence at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, an annual exhibition tournament hosted at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex. This year’s field includes world No.1 Andy Murray and defending champion Rafael Nadal.
It could be forgiven to expect the players to treat the event lightly considering there are no ranking points up for grabs. This expectation in not the reality of the proceedings with many seeing the event as a way to finalize their performance ahead of the start of the Australian swing of the new season.
“It’s good to be back. I feel fit, healthy and ready to go. I’ve got some good memories from winning in Abu Dhabi so hopefully I can play well again and get some good match practice.” Nine-time French Open champion Nadal told reporters on Wednesday.
This month marks the ninth edition of the $250,000 event. So far only Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have triumphed in the Zayed Sports City, a sports and entertainment hub where the tournament is located in the United Arab Emirates. The venue itself is worthy of reaching the standards of an ATP 500 tournament with a 5000-capacity main court. It is for this reason as to why the venue attracts some of the best players in the world.
“What’s great about this tournament is that because of the guys you play, the matches feel like the later stages of a grand slam from day one. So we bring our best game all three days.” Former Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych told thenational.ae.
In recent years Abu Dhabi has become a favourable destination for players during the off-season due to its climate. Roger Federer and Lucas Pouille have both selected the country as a training base for them. Meanwhile Murray, who will be the top seed at the World Tennis Championship, explained that the location is a strong stepping-stone for the new season.
“I’ve been coming here for so many years and it works as a place to start into the season. I know I’m going to get the practice and matches I need.” The world No. 1 said.
“I worked so hard to get to World Number 1 and I’ve been training hard in Miami. But after a few days off at home for Christmas I’m ready to play.”
.@andy_murray and @RafaelNadal play some tennis on the bridge on Al Maryah Island #abudhabi #MWTC (photos via @MubadalaTennis) pic.twitter.com/7J88UHy49O
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) 28 December 2016
The high praise from Murray and Co is also attracting fresh faces. David Goffin will play in the first match of the event in what will be his debut. During 2016 the Belgian closed in on breaking the top 10, currently placed at 11th on the Emirates rankings. His desire to start his season at the event was triggered by the positive feedback from his fellow competitors.
“The players have always talked about this tournament being a great season starter, and it’s something I’ve wanted to take part in for a while,” said Goffin.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing it first hand, and against some of the best players in the world.”
The first match of the 2016 World Tennis championships will get underway on Thursday at 17:00 local time (GMT+4). Goffin will start against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before Nadal’s begins his campaign against Berdych.
Tournament Schedule (time GMT+4)
Thursday:
David Goffin v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (5pm)
followed by Rafael Nadal v Tomas Berdych
Friday:
Play-off for 5th place (2.30pm)
Andy Murray v Goffin/Tsonga (5pm)
followed by Milos Raonic v Nadal/Berdych
Saturday:
Play-off for 3rd place
followed by the final (3pm)
