What you need to know about Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2016

Who is going to be there?
The world's top tennis stars, including World No.1 Andy Murray, World No.3 Milos Raonic, fourteen time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, Czech powerhouse Tomas Berdych, Debutant David Goffin and charismatic Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
What is Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2016?
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Labelled the annual 'season opener', it continuously attracts the best from the sport of tennis that the world has to offer. The tournament lasts three days and is packed with action from start to finish. Not only can spectators see a minimum of two world-class tennis games each day, they also have access to plenty of family fun in the Tennis Village.
Just outside centre court, guests can get up-close-and-personal with the players through autograph signing sessions, including Andy Murray and Milos Raonic on day one of the tournament and Rafael Nadal on day two. Fans also get the chance for a coaching clinic with Murray on the opening day. Other famous faces you will spot in Tennis Village this year include Judy Murray, Andy Murray's mum. There is something for the entire family, especially the little ones as there is a special Kids Day on day one.
When does it happen?
29-31 December 2016.
Here's what's in store for fans on each day:
Day One - 29 December
On day one, David Goffin will face crowd favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the opening match of the tournament. Ranked 11th and 12th in the world, and good friends off the court as well, it's bound to be dramatic, particularly as Tsonga has won three out of their five encounters. Fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, returning for his eighth appearance at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and looking to retain his title, will meet Czech giant Tomas Berdych in the second match of the day. These two have met only once previously in Abu Dhabi at the 2010 edition, with Nadal sailing through to the semi-finals 6-4 6-4.
Day Two - 30 December
Murray and Raonic will be waiting hungrily to face the winners of day one for a blockbusting Friday. Murray will be first up in the 5:00pm semi-final against Tsonga or Goffin, followed by Raonic v Berdych or Nadal at 7:00pm. A bonus for tennis fans looking for a packed day of action, the fifth place play-off will kick off proceedings at 2.30pm, followed by a showdown featuring the top two Emirati players who will go head to head in a doubles match with the fifth and sixth place players.
Day Three - 31 December
The competition heats up at 1:00pm in the battle for third place, followed by the ultimate on-court clash at 3pm for the final. Be there. On paper it should be a Murray-Raonic showdown which would mean a rematch of this year's Wimbledon final, and the recent epic semi-final between the two at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. But sport is never predictable and Nadal could well bring his usual Mubadala World Tennis Championship magic to town in a bid to take his fourth title in Abu Dhabi on New Year's Eve. With Nadal playing on day one, this is the first time Nadal has the potential to play all three days of the tournament.
Where is it going to take place?
The International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. Activities start from midday each day, except for finals day, Saturday 31st, where it begins at 10:00am.
Where to buy the tickets from?
Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ae or Virgin Megastores, starting from Dh 50. Exclusive premier hospitality packages are also available including food and beverages, star player meet and greets and courtside seating, all offering fans the opportunity to be closer to the action with more access to tennis stars than any other event. 
Why should you be there?
Imagine spending your New Year's Eve watching two of the world's best tennis players battle it out for a trophy. That's what will happen if you come to Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Gift your friends and family the best holiday present in town and see in the New Year with exciting action from the world's best tennis players.
news@khaleejtimes.com