Smashing superstars

The aces of the tennis world are heading to Abu Dhabi to battle it out on court at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Fans, get ready to make a racket…

Quiet please. The masters of grass, clay and hard-court tennis are back, and this year’s event is serving up an incredible line-up of international talent for all to see.

Six of the world’s Top Ten players are already confirmed to be taking part, with the smashing stars ready to finish off their year in style. Having already faced off in 2013 at the Australian, French and US Opens, aswell as Wimbledon, the players will be well aware of the challenges that await them in the capital. So which of them will end their 2013 campaign with a glorious year-ending victory? Abu Dhabi Week put the players under the spotlight…

Andy Murray

The man that made history this summer, it is of course, super Scot Andy Murray. After beating a gracious Novak Djokovic in the final of Wimbledon this year, Murray has since been nominated for the prestigious Sports Personality of the Year award, with some believing he already has it in the bag. The 6’ 3” Scotsman is currently British No.1 and is known for his incredible defensive play, endurance around the court, and tremendous tactical prowess.

Novak Djokovic

January of this year saw Djokovic become the first man to win three consecutive Australian Open titles in the history of the Open Era – after he beat Murray in the final. The world No.2 also managed to end Rafael Nadal’s eight-year reign in Monte Carlo, as well as beating the Spaniard at the ATP World Tour 500 in Beijing.  Also known as ‘Nole’, Djokovic, with his relentless and powerful play, beat David Ferrer in the BNP Paribas Masters final. We think Mr Djokovic may have ruffled a few feathers this year! Especially when we go back to 2008 when Nole won his first Grand slam title at the Australia Open. And who did he beat? This year’s fellow competitor Jo Wilfried Tsonga…

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

This Frenchman really celebrates when he wins! With his explosive two-handed backhand and powerful serve, the World No. 10 is a crowd favourite around the globe. Crashing his way onto the world scene in 2008 at the Australian Open, the French powerhouse found his way to the final, beating off competition like Rafael Nadal in the semi-final. Tsonga also went in search for Olympic glory in 2012 but old rival Djokovic was there to scupper his attempts at a gold medal, beating him in the quarter-finals. Tsonga has achieved his best results on hard courts – perfect for Zayed Sports City’s tennis stadium. In the last couple of years Tsonga has always fallen at the final hurdle. Maybe this time we will get to see that fist-pumping giant-leaping celebration…

Stanislas Warwinka

According to tennis legend John McEnroe, Warwinka has the best one-handed backhand in the game today. And with a strong baseline game, the Swiss star often unleashes this stroke to win his points. The Lausanne-born player won gold in the 2008 Olympics and has had a steady career ever since. Warwinka has grown mentally and physically since 2009 and is now ranked World No.8. Could he be the next big Swiss talent after Roger Federer? Who knows. But we are sure he will bring his fast, aggressive and unpredictable game to this tournament. (See interview below, for more on the super Swiss)

Rafael Nadal

The ‘King of Clay’ is back, and his hammer of a left hand is even mightier than before. The current World No.1 has won an impressive 60 titles in almost every competition going. Way back in 2005, the Spaniard won his first Grand Slam and has since bulldozed his way across the world tennis circuit, displaying a ruthless style of play and a perfect example of sportsmanship. In 2009, Nadal withdrew from the AEGON Championships with tendinitis in both knees, consequently dropping to World No.2. Over a year later, Rafa returned to the No.1 spot and has since fluctuated between the top three positions. But this December you will see the World No.1, ready, focused and hungry for another title.

“I’ve won here twice and I am definitely hoping to make it lucky number three this year.”

David Ferrer

The eldest of the tournament, David Ferrer will not let his age be an issue this December, as the World No.3 will be breathing down the necks of Nadal and Djokovic to clinch the cup. The second player in the tournament from Spain is renowned for his baseline play, impressive coordination and gritty determination, which grinds his opponents down. The last three years has seen Ferrer mainly taking the runner-up position. Could this be his year in the UAE?

Taking place at Zayed Sports City Tennis Stadium, the six players will compete in a single elimination series of matches, with the final featuring the last two remaining players. There will also be a third and fourth-place match. The first matches takes place on Thursday 26th December where Ferrer will face Warwinka, at 5pm, followed by Murray versus Tsonga. The winners of these matches will then play Nadal and Djokovic respectively.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ae and selected Virgin Megastores. Prices start at AED 50 for children and AED 100 for adults.

Swiss on a roll

Abu Dhabi Week sat down with Stanislas Warwinka, World No.8 to find out exactly what fans can expect.

How does it feel to be playing here in the Capital? Is it your first time here?

It is wonderful to be back in Abu Dhabi. I’m very much looking forward to getting out there and playing in such a wonderful city and also a fantastic stadium.

When you’re not playing tennis, do you get to visit the city you’re playing in? If so, what would you like to see in Abu Dhabi?

Not as much as I would have liked sadly. Normally it’s tennis courts to the hotel and back. I would like however to come with my family here one day and enjoy it in a more relaxed environment.

Seeded World No.8, do you feel there is pressure to perform not only for your world ranking, but for the entertainment of your fans?

It’s great to be here and will be a real honour to play at number 8 in the world – I had a good year last year and I hope to  repeat it again this year – this expo is the best preparation I could ask for.

You have travelled and played with some talented players, but who would you say is the most comical? Are there any practical jokers on the tour?

Nole is fun to play and we have some great battles – there is lots of joking around off court but most of the time everyone is so eager to win, there is no time on court to joke around.

If there is any tennis player you could play, past or present, who would it be and why?

Pete Sampras would have been fun to play and Goran Ivanisevic.

What can fans expect from this year’s championship?

To see some amazing tennis with the best players in the world at the moment, it’s a great line up.

Who is your biggest fan?

My wife thankfully!

Jack Dignum