Mubadala World Tennis Championship defending champion Novak Djokovic ended the season in style, reclaiming his World Number 1 ranking and winning the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

With Djokovic’s win over Roger Federer the sensational Serb has already set his sights on the new season, which begins with the Mubadala World Tennis Championships at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, from 27th December to 29th December 2012.

Speaking after his ATP finals victory, Novak Djokovic said:

“It’s great to end the year back at number one in the world and to get my first ATP World Tour Finals win in London but, after a few weeks’ rest, I’m looking forward to getting the new season off to a winning start again in Abu Dhabi. Winning last year’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship was the perfect preparation for my victory at the Australian Open in January.”

Six of the world’s top ten and five of the eight ATP World Tour finalists will compete in Abu Dhabi, with defending champion Djokovic joined by US Open and Olympic champion Andy Murray - on his only planned appearance in the UAE in the next twelve months, world number 4 Rafael Nadal, world number 5 David Ferrer and world number 6 Tomas Berdych, alongside a debut appearance from Serbian superstar and world number 9 Janko Tipsarevic.

The Mubadala World Tennis Championship has established itself as the ideal tournament for the world’s top players to start their season and Novak Djokovic says he’s looking forward to defending the title he won last year with victory over David Ferrer in the final:

“Winning in Abu Dhabi last year was tough, though, and with David back this year, alongside Andy Murray, this promises to be another great tournament. I have some very good memories on and off the court from my debut last year. Everything about the place will help me for the season ahead from the weather and facilities to the crowd. Abu Dhabi is a place that loves tennis. You can just feel the excitement and energy of the fans and the young kids taking up the game for the first time.”

Although Djokovic ends 2012 back at the top of the ATP world rankings, this season has been fiercely competitive, with the four majors – the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open – being shared among the world’s top four players.

John Lickrish from the region’s premier live entertainment company, FLASH, says:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for UAE tennis fans to see just how close and exciting the competition is between the best players in the world. We have the current stars of the game with the world number 1, Novak Djokovic, in Abu Dhabi alongside the likes of Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer, so fans can expect something very special this year.”

The world class action and pulsating atmosphere on centre court will start from the moment the first ball is hit on the opening day of the championship, with one of that legendary trio, Djokovic, Murray or Nadal, competing as part of a special night out to kick start an incredible weekend of tennis in the UAE’s capital.

This year, centre court will come alive from 5pm Thursday 27th December, with the opening match now scheduled later to suit those coming straight from work. Delicious food and beverages served within the tournament village will ensure fans don’t miss any of the action on one of the most exciting days in the tournament’s history. 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 while enjoying the special tournament atmosphere.

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

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.

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