December 31, 2015
The eighth Mubadala World Tennis Championship set Abu Dhabi abuzz with all the anticipation of a New Year today, where activity in Tennis Village took centre-stage as fans prepared for the first matches of the annual tournament.
The action at Zayed Sports City’s practice courts got underway early as some of the UAE’s most promising young tennis stars were treated to a tennis clinic with French tennis sensation and world number 10, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Winners of the under 14s age group of the Mubadala Community Cup powered by Healthpoint, which took place across the UAE in the lead up to this weekend’s Championship, were put through their paces at a once-in-a-lifetime coaching session with the French star.
13 year old Julia Rose Bryce said: “It is an indescribable experience to get this once in a lifetime opportunity of playing with one of the top players in the world. The coaching clinic with Tsonga gives us an idea of how they play in a tournament and that is a great feeling for us and great to learn from. I can’t imagine how many people would love to be a part of the Mubadala Community Cup and it’s just amazing to have had this opportunity!”
Tennis Village came alive in true Kids’ Day style, the venue becoming a playground to stretch youngsters’ physical and mental capabilities with activity stations focusing on encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. Young fans even had the chance to meet with, and have their questions answered by, star player and Abu Dhabi debutant Milos Raonic, at the Kids’ Day Q+A session.
Tennis Village is free and open to non-ticket-holders daily from 12 noon. The annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship takes place from December 31st 2015 – January 2nd 2016 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.