World's Top Tennis Aces Arrive in Abu Dhabi

01 Jan, 2009

1^st January 2009; Abu Dhabi, UAE: Six of the world’s top tennis players arrived in Abu Dhabi today, prepared to battle it out to be crowned winner of the inaugural Capitala World Tennis Championship.

The event will see Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Nikolay Davydenko, Andy Roddick and James Blake competing for glory, and they arrived ready for action and in fine form for their matches.

The Capitala World Tennis Championship is Abu Dhabi’s first major tennis tournament, and has attracted a record number of guests from across the nation and GCC, and tickets for the first two days of the event have already sold out.

The event aims to raise awareness of the benefits of tennis and the importance of an active healthy lifestyle, whilst also leaving a legacy for the community beyond the tournament.

Speaking on the first day of the tournament, the players were excited to be in Abu Dhabi and looking forward to competing against one another.

John Lickrish, MD of Flash, commented: “The Abu Dhabi World Tennis Championship is without doubt one of our most exciting initiatives to date.  As the first international tennis event in Abu Dhabi, it is a key part of the city’s emergence as a sport and leisure destination.”

Peter Wilding, Deputy CEO at Capitala, commented: “We are delighted and proud to be the title sponsor of The Capitala World Tennis Championship, and to welcome the world’s best tennis players to Abu Dhabi.  One of our aims has been to encourage more people, particularly school children and young adults, to participate actively in this game as well as other sports.  With the success of initiatives such as the Capitala Community Cup, and Tennis Clinics, we believe that we have made real progress in starting this journey with the people of Abu Dhabi.”

Roger Federer commented:  “I love playing in the Middle East so it’s great to spend some time here in Abu Dhabi.  The facility here at Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex is amazing – to be able to hold a tournament here when before there was nothing is very impressive.  My last season started a little slower than usual due to injury, this year I’m hoping for good things.   My schedule is better – no Olympic Games this year – and my next stop is Qatar.”

Rafa Nadal commented:  “I had a great year in 2008, but it was tough too.  I always play to win and this tournament is no different.”

Andy Roddick commented: “This tournament has a great format and it’s in a great stadium.  I fully intend to hit the ground running and set the scene for the year ahead.”

Andy Murray commented:  “Last New Year I was playing in Doha so it’s fantastic to be back in the Middle East.  I always like to concentrate on playing the best tennis possible, and I intend to do exactly that whilst I’m here.”

Nicolay Davydenko commented: “2008 was a great year for me, playing in 22 tournaments, and I’m looking forward to playing Roddick in my first match today.”

James Blake commented:  “It’s fantastic to be here in Abu Dhabi, I actually spent my birthday here this year!  I’m here with friends so it’s great to be able to experience the city as well as playing in this tournament."