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16-time Grand Slam Champion, Roger Federer has set his sights firmly on Abu Dhabi for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship following a stunning performance against current World Number 1, Rafael Nadal to seal his fifth Barclay’s ATP World Tour Final victory.
In an epic encounter fitting of the end of season finale, the 29 year-old from Basel, Switzerland, laid down a mark for the 2011 season with a masterclass of irresistible attacking tennis, claiming the title with a three-set victory 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 at the O2 Arena, London.
The 22nd meeting of two great champions and arguably the greatest rivalry in sport, gave a glimpse of what tennis fans can expect in Abu Dhabi when the two great champions lead an all star line-up alongside Robin Soderling, Tomas Berdych, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marcos Baghdatis at the International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, 30th December 2010 to 1st January 2011.
Speaking as the undefeated champion of the world’s biggest indoor tennis tournament, Roger Federer said;
““This means a lot to me. I’ve worked really hard this year so it’s very satisfying to have finished the season with a victory against such a great champion as Rafa. I’m already looking forward to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and building on this momentum at the start of next season.
"I always enjoy playing in Abu Dhabi, the atmosphere is wonderful and the tournament is really well organized so it’s the perfect place to start the season against a strong field. With four of us from the Tour Finals all competing it will be just the test I’m looking for ahead of defending the Australian Open.”
In only the third indoor meeting between the sporting rivals and only the fourth meeting on any surface in the past two years, Federer improved his head to head record with Nadal to 8-14. Playing in ruthless fashion, Federer produced devastating displays in an unbeaten run of victories without dropping a set against Novak Djokovic, Robin Soderling, Andy Murray and David Ferrer through the semi-final and group stages.
Federer will now take some time out before renewing rivalries with Nadal for two charity exhibition matches to help the player’s charity foundations ahead of the new season opener in Abu Dhabi late December.
A highly sought-after ticket in the previous two years, the world-class tournament organised by FLASH Entertainment returns to the recently upgraded Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City from the 30th December 2010 to 1st January 2011.
Tickets for the showpiece are selling fast and can be purchased now www.thinkflash.ae or call 800 FLASH (35274). For more information visit - www.mubadalawtc.com.
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