ANDY MURRAY TO OPEN MUBADALA WORLD TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP 2012

November 20, 2012

US Open and Olympic champion Andy Murray will open an incredible weekend of tennis in the capital for the 2012 Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, on 27th December 2012.

The world number three has had his best-ever year and will return to a hero’s welcome following a three-year absence at the championship, where he’ll play world number nine, Janko Tipsarevic. This year the renowned lively atmosphere and explosive performances will start at 5pm when the British star kick-starts the first of three special nights of world-class action.

For the first time in the tournament’s history centre court will come alive from the later time of 5pm with the opening match now scheduled later to suit those fans of Murray coming straight from work. It’s the ideal start to the weekend for families and friends wanting to see the best players in the world go head to head.  

The British number one said:
“It’s been a fantastic year, with my first grand slam win at the US Open and a gold medal at the Olympics but, after a few weeks’ rest, I’m looking forward to getting the new season off to a winning start in Abu Dhabi.”

Murray has a 5-3 record against the Serb on the ATP tour, with a 2-1 advantage on the hard surface of the Zayed Sport City Centre Court.

“It’ll be a tough first match but I’m delighted to open the Mubadala World Tennis Championship against Janko and I hope the tournament will be the perfect preparation for the Australian Open in January. It’s a great atmosphere at Zayed Sport City and I’ll certainly be looking to leave Abu Dhabi with another win, having won here in 2009.”

Six of the world’s top ten and five of the eight ATP World Tour finalists will compete in Abu Dhabi, with world number three Murray making his only planned appearance in the UAE in the next twelve months – and Mubadala debutant Tipsarevic, world number nine, joined by defending Mubadala champion and world number one Novak Djokovic, world number five David Ferrer, and world number six Tomas Berdych.  In addition, world number four Rafael Nadal is expected to make his long-awaited return from injury to compete in Abu Dhabi.  

The second match on Centre Court on the evening of Thursday 27th December will see last year’s beaten Mubadala World Tennis Championship finalist, David Ferrer, take on Tomas Berdych.  Ferrer’s determination and energy have made him a big favourite with the Abu Dhabi crowd and the Spaniard will be in for a tough test against the man from the Czech Republic, who is now firmly established in the world’s top ten.  The two men have also played each other eight times on the ATP tour, with Ferrer coming out on top on five occasions.  Crucially, though, their hard court record is 1-1.

Then, day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Friday 28th December sees the entry of world number one Novak Djokovic and the return from injury of grand slam hero Rafael Nadal.  Djokovic will play the winner of the Ferrer v Berdych match in the first semi-final at 3pm on the Friday, with Nadal taking on Murray or Tipsarevic in the second semi-final immediately afterwards.  No matter who is victorious on day one, the Abu Dhabi crowd is guaranteed to see world-class tennis from the game’s biggest stars throughout the whole weekend.

Final day on Saturday 29th December will start with the 3rd/4th place play-off at 3pm with the final itself at 5pm.

More details about the championship’s expanded Tennis Village, including food and beverage facilities, the hugely popular live entertainment stage, family picnic area and Interactive Zone, will be revealed as the excitement builds ahead of one of the UAE’s most exciting sporting events.  

For fans wishing to enjoy the ultimate VIP experience, Premier Hospitality Packages are available.  The Premier package includes premium courtside seating to see the stars in action up close, exquisite gourmet food in the hospitality area, access to exclusive Q&A sessions with players and premier parking access.
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship runs from 27th December to 29st December 2012 and tickets are available now at www.thinkflash.ae  or call 800 FLASH (35274).
For more information visit www.mubadalawtc.com.  

Tickets are priced at:
 
Categories    Day 1    Day 2    Day 3       
Premier     AED 1,400     AED 1,700    AED 2,100       
Category 1 (Adult)    AED 300     AED 400     AED 600        
Category 1 (Child 2-12)    AED 250     AED 350    AED 450       
Category 2 (Adult)    AED 150     AED 250     AED 450       
Category 2 (Child 2-12)    AED 100    AED 200    AED 300    
 
3-Day Package    Ticket Price       
Category 1
(Section 203 & 211 only)    AED 1,300    

Schedule of Play:
Thursday 27 December 2012
Tennis Village Opens Daily 10.30am
Match 1 – 5pm
Followed by Match 2 (not before 7:00pm)

Friday 28 December 2012
Tennis Village Opens Daily 10.30am
Semi Final 1 – 3:00pm
Followed by Semi Final 2 (not before 5:00pm)

Saturday 29 December 2012
Tennis Village Opens Daily 10.30am
3rd and 4th Place Match – 3:00pm
Followed by Final (not before 5:00pm)
Prize Presentation after the final match at approximately 7:00pm