The eighth annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship, which started on Thursday, is not just a showcase for top stars - it is striving to inspire the next generation of tennis talent too.
Proceedings at Zayed Sports City’s practice courts got underway early as some of the UAE’s most promising young tennis players were treated to a clinic with world number 10, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Winners of the under-14s’ age group of the Mubadala Community Cup powered by Healthpoint, which took place across the UAE in the lead-up to this weekend’s championship, were put through their paces at a coaching session with the French star.
Thirteen-year-old player Julia Rose Bryce said: “It is an indescribable experience to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of playing with one of the top players in the world. The coaching clinic with Tsonga gives us an idea of how they play in a tournament and that is a great feeling for us and great to learn from. I can’t imagine how many people would love to be a part of the Mubadala Community Cup and it’s just amazing to have had this opportunity.”
The Tennis Village later came alive in true Kids’ Day style, the venue becoming a playground to stretch youngsters’ physical and mental capabilities with activity stations focusing on encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. Young fans even had the chance to meet with, and have their questions answered, by Abu Dhabi debutant Milos Raonic at the Kids’ Day Q and A session.
The Tennis Village at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, is free and open to non-ticket-holders daily from noon on Friday and Saturday.
Limited tickets for day two and three are still available at www.ticketmaster.ae, all Virgin Megastore outlets across the UAE, or by calling 800 TM UAE (800 86 823) or at the box office at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City.
Prices start from Dh100, with exclusive premier hospitality packages also available, including food and beverage offers, star player meet-and-greets and premier stadium seating.
For more information about MWTC 2016, visit:
www.mubadalawtc.com or www.facebook.com/mubadalaworldtennischampionship.
