Defending Champion Djokovic Returns To Abu Dhabi

Novak Djokovic in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, November 13, 2019

Joining his fellow ATP Tour Finals contenders Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic is returning to Abu Dhabi in search for his record-breaking fifth Mubadala World Tennis Championship title. The tournament runs from 19 to 21 December at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City.

The 32-year-old Serbian clinched last year’s title by fighting past Kevin Anderson in the final in three sets.

“Abu Dhabi is a special place and one where I have tasted success consistently. The courts are great, the spectators know their sport, and the atmosphere is thoroughly enjoyable,” said Djokovic.

“The lineup for the tournament is really strong. You always want to play challenging opponents early in the season in order to get a good measure of yourself and I am hoping I can put in place a few things that I have been working on in the off-season,” he said.

“Novak’s confirmation is proof of the fact that the Mubadala World Tennis Championship has developed into a premier tournament, attracting the cream of tennis talent from across the world. Novak is no stranger to Abu Dhabi, having won the title four times and I am confident that he will come into the tournament firing on all cylinders,” said John Lickrish, CEO Flash Entertainment.

“Innovation and a constant uptick in the value we aim to provide to spectators has been a hallmark of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. This year, the change in dates, a line-up brimming with class, and the transformation of the International Tennis Centre into a wholesome entertainment village, are part of our efforts to make the tournament a certainty in the calendars of UAE residents and visitors,” added Lickrish.