Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams is Returning to the UAE | ExpatWoman.com
 

Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams is Returning to the UAE

The inspirational superstar will be making her 2nd appearance at this year's Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Posted on

4 December 2018

Last updated on 4 December 2018
Serena Williams at Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018

Pictured: Serena Williams at the 2017 MWTC

Serena will take on older sister Venus Williams on the opening day of the Championship...

The Mubadala World Tennis Championship will be here soon, and for the 2018 edition, FLASH Entertainment has confirmed 23-time Grand Slam champion and inspirational figure, Serena Williams, will be in attendance.

She'll join an already star-studded line-up for this year's MWTC, which will take place from 27th to 29th December, 2018.

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The tennis superstar will be joining her sister, Venus Williams, in the women’s side of the 11th edition of the Championship – with lucky fans having the chance to see the siblings battle it out in the UAE capital in addition to all the entertainment in store for the family on Day One of the Championship.

What’s more, in order to get more young fans to watch the Williams sisters in action, organisers are encouraging families to take advantage of the special offer whereby children can enter for FREE on purchase of an adult ticket on day one of the MWTC.

The greatest tennis player of all-time

37-year-old Serena, considered by many as one of the greatest tennis players of all-time, will be aiming to equal the record for the most Grand Slam wins (24) at the Australian Open in January 2019 – and MWTC will serve as a fantastic chance to sharpen her tennis skills ahead of this important tournament.

Serena made her return to competitive action at MWTC last year, after nearly a year away from the game following the birth of her daughter – and since then, has gone on to have a strong season reaching the finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Venus Williams at Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018

At this year’s MWTC, Serena will play her older sister, Venus and fans in Abu Dhabi can look forward to an exciting duel between the duo. The younger Williams enjoys an 18-12 career head-to-head record and met her sister in the round of 32 at this year’s US Open where she went on to win in straight sets 6-1, 6-2.

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Commenting on her second appearance in Abu Dhabi, Serena Williams said: “I loved playing in Abu Dhabi last year. I am excited to return to such a beautiful city and to see my fans. This time, I’ll be playing against my sister, so the match will be even more special.”

John Lickrish, CEO of FLASH Entertainment, added: “We are absolutely thrilled Serena is returning again and her match against her sister – Venus will certainly be one you won’t want to miss. We are avid supporters of women in sport and are delighted to welcome both ladies to what is set to be an enthralling and closely fought, championship. The quality of the players this year reiterates MWTC’s importance in the global tennis calendar and its strong heritage of being a fantastic season-opener.”

Novak Djokovic at Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2018

Pictured: Novak Djokovic

This year's line-up

This year’s line-up is shaping up to be the most exciting as it features six top male players as well as the inspirational Williams’ sisters.

The men’s side will feature world number one and 14-time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic, world number two and 17-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, alongside last year’s defending MWTC champion, Kevin Anderson, French Open finalist, Dominic Thiem, Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung and recent Paris Masters Champion, Karen Khachanov.

Don't miss the action

There’s plenty to keep spectators entertained off the court as well. The three-day event welcomes families, as the Tennis Village takes on a new theme each day with plenty of activities for the whole family. Tennis fans and their families can enjoy themed experiences including:

  • In addition to watching the Williams sisters, Day One has plenty of entertainment for the whole family and free entry for children (age 2-12) with the purchase of an adult ticket*
  • Day Two Will see all the top men’s players in action including live cooking with a star player in addition to cooking stations and culinary specialities from around the world
  • Day Three of the MWTC will see the finalists battle it out for the crown and the Tennis Village will host a stunning musical performance and plenty of activities for everyone

The MWTC will be held at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, where it promises spectators the equivalent of a Grand Slam quarter-final. Recognised as the first tournament leading into the Australian Open, the Championship offers fans the unique opportunity to see some of the top players battling it out across the three days.

How to buy your MWTC tickets

Tickets to the hugely popular event are priced from AED 100 and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ae or by calling 800 86 823 from within the UAE or +971 4 366 2289 from outside the country and all Virgin Megastores.

Fans looking to attend all three days of the Championship can avail of a special 20% discount on ticket prices while families can take advantage of the special offer whereby children can enter for free on purchase of an adult ticket on day one of the Championship.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship
Sponsored by
Mubadala World Tennis Championship
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship was launched in 2008 by FLASH Entertainment, the region’s leading events consultancy, in partnership with IMG. Now celebrating its 14th edition, the 2022 Mubadala World Tennis Championship will take place 16 to 18 December 2022 at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City.

International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates