Post by Giatros on Dec 10, 2010 5:01:10 GMT -5
STAGE SET FOR EPIC ENCOUNTERS AS DRAW IS ANNOUNCED FOR
MUBADALA WORLD TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP
Berdych - Bagdatis, Soderling - Tsonga to Entertain Abu Dhabi on a Thrilling Opening Day
Abu Dhabi – (9th December 2010): The Global Tennis Season will start in Abu Dhabi with an irresistible line-up of all-star matches following the official draw for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
Tennis fans will be treated to a captivating spectacle of world-class action on an opening day that sees rising Cypriot star Marcos Baghdatis go into battle with world number six and 2010 Wimbledon Finalist, Tomas Berdych, before Swedish world number five and 2010 French Open Finalist Robin Soderling takes on flamboyant Frenchman Jo-Wilfred Tsonga.
The draw also reveals the potential semi-final line-ups on day two of the championship, pitting world number one Rafael Nadal against the winner of Baghdatis and Berdych, while all-time men’s Grand Slam singles titles leader, Roger Federer, lies in wait for the victor of Soderling and Tsonga.
Speaking following the tournament draw John Lickrish, Managing Director of tournament organizer, FLASH Entertainment said;
“Considering every player has starred in or won at least one Grand-Slam final, the line-up in Abu Dhabi for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is fitting of the final stages of any Grand-Slam tournament. Each player is a fearless competitor and genuine title contender, capable of defeating whoever they are drawn against which sets up for some epic encounters.
“Once again the atmosphere in the stadium will be electric as the players and fans enjoy more stunning performances and unforgettable moments on centre court for the start of the global tennis season. For tennis fans, sports fans and families wanting a great day out the championship cannot be missed.”
The championship which runs from 30th December 2010 – 1st January 2011 at the International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, marks the long awaited debuts in Abu Dhabi of emerging stars Baghdatis, Berdych and Tsonga, regarded alongside Soderling as amongst the most exciting talents in the game.
Having shared two victories each in their previous four meetings, Baghdatis and Berdych will relish the opening match of the tournament and the prospect of a clash with world number one Nadal following extremely encouraging 2010 seasons.
The infectious Baghdatis has returned to fitness and form in 2010 with victories over Federer and Nadal before a shoulder injury brought a premature end to his season. While big hitting Czech, Berdych, reached the semi-final of Roland Garros and defeated six-time champion Roger Federer and world number three Novak Djorkovic in back to back matches on route to the final of Wimbledon.
Victory for Baghdatis on the opening day, a former world junior champion, would see the charismatic right-hander given the opportunity to add to a recent win against Nadal in the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati in August 2010, his only win in seven matches with Nadal. Whereas a win for super-fit Berdych sets up a re-match and the chance to avenge this year’s Wimbledon final defeat in three sets to Nadal.
The second match on day one is poised to be another enthralling contest bringing together Soderling and Tsonga, two of the most powerful players in tennis. Soderling, known for his brutal groundstrokes and tremendous serve, will be looking to follow-up his recent first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in Paris by defeating the highly energetic Tsonga. A win for Soderling would set up an enticing repeat of last year’s semi-final which saw the steely Swede stun Federer to advance to final.
Tsonga, who makes his eagerly anticipated return from injury to compete in Abu Dhabi, will be seeking for his first win in four attempts against Soderling, with a semi-final place against Federer a tempting prize. The Frenchman, Nicknamed ‘Ali’ is comfortable going toe to toe with the world’s best, with a record of one win and two defeats in three previous outing with Swiss ace Federer.
If the semi-finals go in favour of the world rankings, Abu Dhabi will enjoy arguably the greatest rivalry in sport with the two great champions, Nadal and Federer, going head to head for the winner takes all prize ahead of this season’s first grand-slam, the Australian Open.
The potential final involving the world number one and two would be the 25th meeting of the two legends, kick starting the global tennis season, following renewing rivalries for two charity exhibition matches to help the player’s charity foundations ahead of the new season opener in Abu Dhabi.
With tickets continuing to sell-quickly for all days of the championship and on the announcement of the player draw, anyone interested in securing a ticket for the three day championship at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City from the 30th December 2010 to 1st January 2011 is advising to book tickets early.
Tickets for the showpiece can be purchased now www.thinkflash.ae or call 800 FLASH (35274).
For more information visit - www.mubadalawtc.com.
Match Draw –
Approximate Time for Match 2 each day 5pm – (Match 2 will follow Match 1)
Go Marcos !!!
