FIRST MATCH PLAYER QUOTES

NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO

“I really enjoyed the game, it’s completely different playing an exhibition to a Grand Slam, you can really have some fun with it.

In terms of playing Nadal tomorrow, I know that he’ll play 100%. He always runs, tries to make no mistakes at all, and he’s also had a break and time to rest since his injury. Outdoor he plays much better, indoor I think I might have a better chance with him, the ball always bounds perfectly indoors and there’s no wind.

It’s a very fast surface out there, and that suits how he plays, from the baseline. I know that that I want to win tomorrow, and I want to win the final.”

ANDY RODDICK

“The pace was faster than usual down on the court, it’s a fast surface. I really enjoyed playing with the ball kids and having some fun out there.

It’s really disappointing to go out so quickly as I would have loved to played more games, but I’ll be staying for the rest of the tournament and running some clinics, and the way I see it, I get to have some of the best level practice whilst I’m here too. I’m also playing in Qatar next week.

This year I want to try to play bigger – not get stuck in rally mode. I’ve worked really hard in my off season, I’m in great physical shape, and I’m looking forward to playing better at some of the bigger events.

I’m impressed with the facilities here, and I find that every time we come to the Middle East the standards are first class. We’re getting really spoiled whilst we’re here, and it’s always a pleasure to visit.”

SECOND MATCH PLAYER QUOTES

JAMES BLAKE

“The tournament was great preparation for me: it gets me back in form, as none of us has played a match for a while, and I also got to play against a top player which showed my weaknesses. Now I have time before the Australian Open to address those weaknesses with my coach, so I see today’s match as a positive learning experience. There isn’t as much pressure as there is at a Grand Slam, but I still wanted to win.

Andy Murray has definitely earned his spot in the top ten – he’s at the top of his game and one of the best in the world. He has great talent, defends well, and is mentally very strong. His first serve has improved a lot and his game is very good.

He played great today, served really well and put pressure on me. I didn’t serve my best. I have time to work on that before the Australian Open and hopefully I’ll play Andy again in Melbourne.

I consider myself a contender as a winner for one of the Grand Slams - I have the ability and have beaten every one of the top players. I probably have two or three years left to try to do that.”

ANDY MURRAY

“I have played James once before, and it was a really great experience for me to play against him today for the second time.

I am looking forward to playing with Federer tomorrow and it’s a great way to prepare for the other championships in the future. This match won’t be as big as the Grand Slams but Federer is always giving his 100% performance no matter which tournament we’re playing in.

I practiced so well last season and had a good year and I’m expecting this year to be as good or even better than the last. I would love to be World Number one but my biggest goal is to win the grand slams, and I think my best chance for winning a Grand Slam this year will be during the Australian Open.

“I love Abu Dhabi and regularly train here in the off-season. The weather is beautiful and the atmosphere here today was fantastic. We’re getting really looked after whilst we’re here – Emirates Palace is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in!”