Abu Dhabi, 4th January, 2010- The second Capitala World Tennis Championship continued to position itself as one of the region’s leading sports events following another hugely successful three day tournament at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex.
The showpiece event, which won the Best Sports Event at the 2009 Middle East Event Awards, was once again a sell out which saw close to 15,000 fans enjoy the world’s best players competing in the UAE capital for the second time.
Rafael Nadal, the world number two, defeated a determined Robin Söderling 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 to win the tournament and amend for his loss to Andy Murray in the final last year. It was a stunning victory in front of a packed stadium which brought an end to three days of memorable action both on and off the court.
John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment, the Abu Dhabi-based events consultancy behind the tournament, said:
“When we first decided to host this tournament we could not have imaged how quickly it would grow and the tremendous success it would achieve in such a short period of time.”
“Having the world’s best players, including the top two in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, return to the tournament for a second time was a great endorsement.
“We are proud of the fact it has become such an important tournament on the player’s calendar and it’s pleasing to hear how much they enjoy their time in Abu Dhabi over the New Year period.”
Despite losing to Söderling in the semi-final, Federer thrived on the opportunity to kick-start his season in Abu Dhabi once again.
“I still think the chances that I will be coming back next year will be very, very good,” he said.
“As long as the organisers still want me back after losing two times in a row!”
“The tournament is very well run and the crowds really are great here. They love coming out and it’s a lot of fun playing in front of them.”
It was also a lot of fun in The Tennis Village which quickly became a hive of activity around the action on centre court. From stilt walkers to face painters and player signing sessions, the Tennis Village offered a little something for everyone away from the red-hot tennis being played.
Hundreds of people lined up for the signing sessions and their chance to get up close to their tennis heroes who also conducted a number of coaching clinics with up and coming rising stars from across the UAE.
Heang Fine Wong, CEO of Capitala, the title sponsor of the event, said:
“The event has been a spectacular success once again and we have been very pleased with the crowds, the atmosphere and the tremendous media interest which has taken the event, and Abu Dhabi, to all corners of the world.”
“We have also implemented a very strong community and grass roots programme in the lead-up to the event to ensure there is a lasting legacy beyond the tournament.”
“Along with supporting such a prestigious event, we have been proud to be involved in helping to give something back to the community we serve.”
Away from all the action and entertainment at Zayed Sports City, Federer and Nadal had the opportunity to enjoy a unique warm-up at the Yas Marina Circuit. The world’s top two players had an early morning friendly game on the track in the shadows of The Yas Hotel where they were staying during the tournament.
“It has certainly been a stunning location to play tennis on,” Federer said following the short knock-around with his Spanish rival.
Nadal added: “I was very happy to be back here in Abu Dhabi and part of it all again. The views here from the track were unbelievable, it was just perfect for us.”
Players also had the chance to relax away from court, with many of them taking up the opportunity to enjoy the Rihanna concert on New Year’s Eve.
“We have all really enjoyed our time here,” said Söderling. “It has been a great way to start the year.”
Capitala World Tennis Championship underlines its position on the international sporting calendar
