Djokovic and Nadal to continue rivalry at Mubadala World Tennis Championship

The season-opening Mubadala World Tennis Championship has again pulled off a major coup with the announcement that the world's top two Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will return to Abu Dhabi this year.

The annual competitive tournament, which sees six of the world’s top players battle it out across three days at Zayed Sports City, has been confirmed for a seventh installment from January 1-3, 2015.

Recently-crowned Wimbledon champion Djokovic will again headline the tournament as he goes in search of a fourth successive title in the UAE capital.

“Abu Dhabi has always been very good to me and of course I was keen to return and defend my title, said the Serb, who captured his seventh Grand Slam title with victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon.

"The tournament draws the world’s top players and it is crucial for us to keep pushing and testing ourselves against each other, especially at the start of a new season.

"We’re more than half way through the year now and with one major secured I feel that I am on track for a memorable year but there is plenty more work to be done before we catch that flight to the UAE.

"Celebrating the New Year in Abu Dhabi will be very special this time around and I’m hopeful of starting 2015 in the best possible way - with a victory at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.”

Nadal, the world No2 and two-time champion in Abu Dhabi, also returns as he seeks a first title in the UAE capital since 2011.

Speaking from his home in Mallorca, Spain the Spaniard commented: “The standards are always high in Abu Dhabi, the crowds are fantastic and there is a real buzz around the city so returning was an easy decision to make.

"It’s the perfect place to start the year and although there is still a long way to go in this current season, we have to plan ahead and make sure we give ourselves to best opportunities to start the year strong.

"For me that would be playing the Mubadala World Tennis Championships where all top players want to play. I hope this year I can win!"

For fans who don’t want to miss out on seeing Djokovic and Nadal in action, tickets go on sale at midday on Tuesday, July 22 at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Mega Stores or by calling 800 TM UAE (86 823).

An exclusive 24 hour pre-sale will begin at midday on Monday 21st July for FLASH members*.

Prices start from AED 50 for upper bowl seating, with exclusive premier hospitality packages also available including food and beverage offers, star player meet and greets and premier stadium seating.