Six of the world’s top players are set to turn on a magical three days of action at the Capitala World Tennis Championship which starts today.
World number one Roger Federer, world number two Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko, the Barclays ATP World Tour finals winner, all return to the showpiece event for a second time ready to square up against newcomers Robin Söderling, Stanislas Wawrinka and David Ferrer.
The award-winning tournament, which has once again seen fans scrambling to get their hands on tickets for the event, has sold out tomorrow and Saturday. The event returns bigger and better this year with the addition of a third and fourth play-off on day three, which will also see the players vying for a winner-takes-all prize fund of $250,000 in the final.
Roger Federer, world number one, said:
“It’s great to be back in Abu Dhabi and I am very much looking forward to the tournament beginning. The first tournament was very enjoyable and we’re happy to be back.”
John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment, the Abu Dhabi-based live events consultancy behind the tournament, said:
“Once again we have welcomed the world’s top players to Abu Dhabi and it’s good to see them here and ready for another three days of entertainment both on and off the court.”
“We were proud of the tremendous success achieved in our first ever tournament earlier this year. We are confident this event will go to a whole new level and offer yet another unforgettable experience for tennis fans.”
“There is a great buzz and excitement around Abu Dhabi ahead of this tournament and everyone is pleased the wait is now over and we can get underway with some fantastic tennis.”
As well as the on-court action, visitors can enjoy a multitude of other activities at the Tennis Village, which is free and open to the general public and features a speed serve challenge, Batak machine, player autograph signing sessions, tennis clinics with star players and coaches, and a range of F&B outlets.
Heang Fine Wong, CEO of Capitala, the title sponsor of the event, said:
“For a second year in a row, the response has been phenomenal from the residents of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The Capitala World Tennis Championship is established as one of the top sporting events in the UAE and over the next three days we will witness solid tennis action from some of the most high profile tennis players in the world. We look forward to a spectacular tournament and hope that the local talent embrace the sport further and benefit by keeping fit and active.”
Now in its second year, the Capitala World Tennis Championship was launched in 2008 by Flash Entertainment, the region’s leading events consultancy, and Capitala, the Abu Dhabi-based strategic real estate master developer. The event aims to raise awareness of the benefits of tennis and the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle, whilst also leaving a legacy for the community beyond the tournament.
