Two former Mubadala World Tennis Championship players will make their return to the Abu Dhabi’s International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, when the 12th edition of Arabian Gulf’s leading tennis experience swings into action on Thursday.

Russian duo Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, who made their championship debuts in 2018 and 2017 respectively, have added their names to the eight-player line-up that will compete in eight top-class matches from 19 – 21 December.

For Khachanov, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is a chance to build on a strong 2019 which saw him reach the quarter-finals of the French Open and reach a career high of No. 8 in the world.

“I can’t wait to return to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and to Abu Dhabi after a great experience last year. The weather is fantastic and the fans really know their tennis. The set-up is superb, the crowd can really get involved, and it also offers the perfect opportunity to get the new season off and running with some hard matches,” said Khachanov, who has won four ATP titles and will face Hyeon Chung in the second match on Day 1.

On the other side of the draw, Rublev is looking forward to making his return to Abu Dhabi where he will face 2019 ATP Tour Finals winner Stefanos Tsitsipas in the championship opener at 4pm.

“I was fortunate enough to experience this championship a couple of years ago. With a very strong line-up, it’s an opportunity to start the season with very competitive matches.

“The people of Abu Dhabi are great and I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones,” said Rublev, who faced Tsitsipas in the semi-finals of the 2018 ATP Next Gen Finals.

Khachanov and Rublev have replaced fellow Russian Daniil Medvedev and Frenchman Gael Monfils, who have been forced to withdraw through injury.

Medvedev was looking forward to a strong maiden showing in Abu Dhabi event and expressed his disappointment at missing out.

“I was really looking forward to making my debut in Abu Dhabi. So, it is with deep regret that I have had to withdraw through injury. I hope to make the trip in the future, and I wish everyone a hugely successful championship,” said Medvedev.

Monfils, who was excited to make his second appearance at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship after a nine-year absence, said: “I always enjoy coming to Abu Dhabi and was excited to be playing there once again. Due to injury, that’s not going to be possible, but I hope to see you all soon.”

The winners of the two men’s matches on Day 1 will face the world’s top two players, World No. 1 Rafael Nadal and World No. 2 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Friday.

Day 1 will conclude with five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova taking on Australian Fed Cup finalist Ajla Tomljanovic (not before 8pm).

The Best on and off court Aside from the best live tennis action on court, ticket holders can make the most of excellent food and beverage offerings in the Tennis Village, tennis clinics, autograph and Q&A sessions with the players and a host of tennis-themed activities and competitions offering great prizes.

Fun competitions in the village include the chance to win a year’s free Deliveroo (worth DHS 30,000) and daily exercise classes from Abu Dhabi fitness chain The Room. A recent Yasalam Emerging Talent Competition participant will entertain the crowds with a live set on day two, while the village will also be home to the Mubadala Interactive Zone featuring games and challenges.

Meanwhile, a new official trophy for the 12th edition of the Arabian Gulf’s leading tennis experience has been unveiled -- and it is a special tribute to the best of Abu Dhabi.

As the UAE capital readies for the return of the world’s best male and female tennis stars at this week’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship the instantly iconic new trophy is the work of homegrown talent.

Designed by acclaimed Emirati artist, designer and Mubadala employee Ashwaq Abdulla, the trophy pays homage to the ‘Volcano Fountain’, one of Abu Dhabi’s preeminent landmarks.