ABU DHABI, December 30, 2015

Ahead of the eighth edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championships David Ferrer met the fans at Abu Dhabi’s ultimate shopping destination at Yas Mall on Wednesday.

The world number 7 from Spain signed autographs and was interviewed by former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, one of the tournament’s ambassadors. Ferrer told that he got married and described his life during the off-season.

David Ferrer spoke about his off-season

“I stayed at home, also went to Fuerteventura for a few days but of course there was also work to do in order to prepare for the new season,” the 33-year-old said. “I practiced from Monday to Saturdays with two hours of tennis in the morning, then half an hour of fitness and finished with another one to one and half hour of tennis in the afternoon. On Sundays I took a rest,” Ferrer described his schedule during the last month and is looking forward to start the 2016 season on Thursday in Abu Dhabi facing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

David Ferrer at Yas Mall Abu Dhabi

“This is a good challenge for the first match. It’s a great opportunity here to play with a couple of the best players in the world. Tomorrow against Tsonga will be tough for sure and I hope the people will enjoy our tennis,” the Spaniard said and added: “Of course I want to win. But I know it is only the first match and I still have to improve during the next couple of weeks. My goal will be to play good tennis.”

Ferrer has come to Abu Dhabi several times and always enjoyed his stay in the capital of the UAE. “My first time here was in 2009. I reached two finals at the MWTC. I like it a lot here,” he said. “We have the chance to use a helicopter to see the points of interests like the mosque. This is a great option for the players. I am here with my family. We are five people and maybe we will take the chance for a ride,” Ferrer said and added with a smile that his wife will probably get the front seat.