Sharapova to play at Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has confirmed her participation in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship later this year, in an exclusive announcement on Dubai Eye 103.8’s Off Script.

The 32-year-old will go head-to-head with teen sensation Amanda Anisimova, referred to by many in the game as ‘the new Sharapova’. The 18-year-old burst onto the scene earlier this year by beating world No.4 Simona Halep on her way to becoming the youngest American to reach the women’s French Open semi-finals since 1990.

It’s Sharapova’s name, however, that will capture tennis fans’ imagination given her achievements in the game. She is one of only 10 women who can boast a Career Grand Slam, winning Wimbledon (2004), the US Open (2006), the Australian Open (2008) and the French Open (2012 & 2014).

“I can’t wait to see everyone in Abu Dhabi in December,” said Sharapova. “It’s an honour to be part of this championship and to be involved in only the third women’s match in Mubadala World Tennis Championship history. Serena and Venus Williams set the benchmark last year and hopefully I can play my part in elevating the sport, especially amongst women, in Abu Dhabi.”

For Anisimova the 12th edition of the tournament which has long been seen as the traditional curtain raiser for the new season provides another opportunity to continue impressing on her fledging journey in tennis and test herself against the best.

“I will be making my first visit to Abu Dhabi and I want to make sure I’m bringing my A-game to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and show the spectators what I can do,” said World No.29.

The announcement of the female players comes just two days after 19-time Grand Slam ace Rafael Nadal and his 2019 US Open final opponent Daniil Medvedev were confirmed as the first two big-names for the six-man line-up.

Tickets starting from AED 100 for Adults, are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE, with kids going free on Day One, for the second year running.