Tsonga, Anderson to line up for Mubadala championship

Crowd favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Abu Dhabi debutant Kevin Anderson have been confirmed as the final contenders for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship title.

The annual tournament takes place over three exciting days in Abu Dhabi this New Year. The full line up of players which includes 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka and ATP World Tour top ten stars Milos Raonic and David Ferrer, will battle it out from the 31st December 2015 to 2nd January 2016 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, with tickets on sale now.

The in-form Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has had a potent year, progressing to the final four of the French Open and also the quarterfinals of the US Open. In addition to his powerful performances at the Grand Slams, the world number 12 recently secured his 12th ATP World Tour title with victory in Metz, France, and also powered to the final of the Shanghai Open. With just over two months to go until the next instalment of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, the Frenchman seems to be on a path to top form for the start of the new season in Abu Dhabi.

"I am really enjoying my tennis, feeling good and there is a lot to look forward to. Abu Dhabi is a tournament which can kick start my season right from the beginning so I'm excited for the challenge. In previous years of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship I've met so many supportive fans and, young people who are passionate about tennis and it's great to see the enthusiasm for the sport. I'm looking forward to getting back to the UAE capital and seeing the fans again. It's looking like another exciting year of tennis for the UAE crowds and what better way for them to celebrate the New Year," said Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as he confirmed his participation at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship

For South African Kevin Anderson, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship will be his first appearance in the UAE capital but, after claiming some substantial scalps in his meteoric rise through the rankings, the world number 17 will be quietly confident of taking the title in his first attempt. This year he progressed to the quarterfinals of the US Open at the expense of top seed Andy Murray, and also recorded his fourth victory over MWTC rival Stan Wawrinka. Now, the Abu Dhabi tournament will be the perfect platform for the 29 year old to get his new season off to an exciting start.