Nadal Will Play Abu Dhabi

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 25th September 2013

Nadal Will Play Abu Dhabi

epa03860211 Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men's final on the fifteenth day of the 2013 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 09 September 2013. The US Open runs through Monday 09 September, a 15-day schedule for the first time. EPA/JUSTIN LANE |

Rafael Nadal will uphold a vow he made to Abu Dhabi exhibition organizers last December when he was unable to play the event as he healed from knee problems.

But it’s a different story now as the world No. 2 with ten titles this season was announced as a definite signing for the well-paid December 26-28 event in the Gulf.

The Spaniard seems happy to be going back even if it means Christmas in the desert. “I’ve been working hard all season and to have won two grand slams this year is an amazing feeling,” he told organizers. “I’m playing good tennis and I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season will bring.

“After the disappointment of last year I promised my fans in the UAE I would return, so I’m very happy it’s happening so soon and I’m back in the player line-up. I’m looking forward to getting back on court there later this year. It’s a great opportunity to test myself, especially just before the start of the new season.”

Added this season’s French and US Open champion: “I’m sure I’ll face some tough competition but I’m hoping to take the title for a third time and play some great tennis for the Abu Dhabi fans in the process. The atmosphere is always fantastic and will be counting on the crowd’s support to help me win again this year.”

Also along for a hefty payday for minimal on-court work are No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, presuming the Scot fulfills his fitness timetable after this week’s keyhole back surgery. Nadal has been a familiar face at the hit-and-giggle event in the past, playing it five times and emerging with a pair of titles and millions in appearance money.

Topics: Andy Murray, French Open, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Tennis, Tennis News, US Open