The upcoming Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2019 in Abu Dhabi, UAE will see global superstars Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev poised to renew their epic US Open final rivalry.

The 12th edition of the event takes place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, in Abu Dhabi, from December 19-21.

Spain’s Nadal, a four-time winner of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, secured his 19th Grand Slam title following a titanic 4hr, 50minute five-set tussle with Russian ace Medvedev in New York earlier this month.

Depending on the draw for this December, the pair could well be picking up where they left off in the UAE capital. Nadal, who won the title in 2010, 2011 and twice in a calendar year in 2016 is looking forward to returning to the UAE capital, where he lost in the 2018 semi-final to South African Kevin Anderson.

“I’m really looking forward to be returning to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. It’s a great event and offers the best preparation for a fast start to the new season. Every time I come to Abu Dhabi I feel at home and I’m always treated so well. The spectators are knowledgeable and know how to have fun and I have very good memories playing here,” said world No2 Nadal.

Medvedev will be looking for a bit of “home support” when he makes his Mubadala World Tennis Championship debut as he looks to go all the way having lost out to Nadal in the US Open.

“I’ve heard so much about the Championship from my friends and there’s a lot of Russian support in Abu Dhabi. I know it’s also a popular holiday destination for my fellow countrymen so hopefully I can draw on that in my first appearance,” said the 23-year-old Russian.

“I know the line-up will be very strong so it will be a good test of where I am heading into the new season as I look to build on what has been a great year for me so far. I will give my all and put on the best show possible for the spectators. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“We strive to deliver a world-class line-up year on year and securing Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev is yet another statement of intent as we continue to evolve this special championship,” said John Lickrish, CEO at event organiser Flash Entertainment.

“Having played in Abu Dhabi five times, Rafael is a staple at the championship and we look forward to welcoming the four-time-champion once again. The strategic switch in dates allows UAE residents and visitors alike to capitalise on Abu Dhabi’s famed winter sun while immersing themselves in some fan-village fun. Getting the chance to see the world’s best tennis players completes this unmissable experience.

“Rafael and Daniil showed during their US Open final that they really are at the top of their game and that is only a good thing for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Spectators are in for thrilling on-court action and great off-court entertainment,” added Lickrish.

Spectators can expect yet another exciting edition of the Championship this December. Aside from the best live tennis action on court, ticketholders can make the most of excellent food and beverage offerings in the interactive Tennis Village, tennis clinics, Q&A sessions with the players and competitions.  – TradeArabia News Service