Rising Swiss star Stanislas Wawrinka, who won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with Roger Federer, will replace Fernando Verdasco, the world number 8, who has announced his withdrawal from the Capitala World Tennis Championship.
Wawrinka, who for the first time beat his friend and countryman Federer earlier this year at the Monte Carlo masters, now has a golden opportunity to take on the world number 1 again, this time at the stunning Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex.
Wawrinka joins a star-studded line-up of the world’s best players including Federer, Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko and Robin Soderling for the Middle East’s showpiece tennis event which runs from 31 December, 2009 – 2 January, 2010.
Wawrinka said:
“I’m really looking forward to playing in Abu Dhabi over the New Year and having another opportunity to play against the likes of Roger and the other top players. I’ve heard some great reports about the tournament from the players who competed in the first event and with Roger and Rafa both returning it’s a great indication of just how successful it was.”
The withdrawal of Verdasco has opened up the stage in Abu Dhabi for Wawrinka who reached a career-high ranking of number 9 last year and is one of the best young talents in the world.
John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment, the Abu-Dhabi events company behind the award-winning tournament, said:
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Stanislas to Abu Dhabi and I know tennis fans will be keen to see him on centre court where there is a good possibility he will continue the strong rivalry with his fellow countryman Federer. He is a great talent and adds another exciting element to what will undoubtedly be a memorable three days of great tennis action in Abu Dhabi.”
Verdasco, who was due to play in the Capital for the first time, has withdrawn following adjustments to his schedule and a persistent foot injury which has been affecting the Spaniard throughout the season.
Verdasco said in a statement:
“Unfortunately, I have decided – in conjunction with my coaches – that I need to make several adjustments to my schedule for the beginning of 2010. Throughout the year I have suffered from a foot injury for which I was to have surgery after the U.S. Open. My doctors advised me to reconsider the surgery and to make a decision after the Davis Cup Finals. Regardless of whether or not I have the surgery, I will need to take a significant time of rest and thus I will not be able to participate in the Abu Dhabi tournament.”
John Lickrish said:
“We are obviously disappointed that Fernando will not be playing in Abu Dhabi as we know that he was very much looking forward to being a part of the line-up and playing here. We understand his need to rest as a result of the injury and wish him continued success."
The Capitala World Tennis Championship will see headline players Federer and Nadal returning to the UAE capital for the second year running. They face tough competition against Tsonga, Davydenko, Soderling and now Wawrinka who completes the stunning line-up.
The Capitala World Tennis Championship takes place from 31 December, 2009 – 2 January, 2010 at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City.
The event sold out last year and tickets are once again selling fast. Tickets can be purchased through www.boxofficeme.com.
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