14th Mubadala World Tennis Championship serves up a real treat on Day 1

ABU DHABI, 6th December, 2022 (WAM) –The 14th Mubadala World Tennis Championship once again served up something for everyone on an exciting Day 1 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, in Abu Dhabi.

Star players Emma Raducanu, Ons Jabeur, Borna Coric and Casper Ruud wowed fans as they took part in MWTC player clinics, a popular feature of the Arabian Gulf’s leading tennis experience, while event goers of all ages flocked to the Tennis Village to take part in a host of fun activities.

An exciting event on Day 1 saw former World No. 1 and 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero take to the court for a tennis demonstration with members of the UAE Special Olympics team. Ferrero teamed up with Clari Lemkuhl, and Special Olympics unified player Matei Sucu. A trailblazer for inclusion. Clari, one of only three people in the world with Down Syndrome to be certified as a Zumba instructor, represented the UAE during the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, and is preparing for the upcoming Special Olympics Summer World Games Berlin 2023.

“Playing with the athletes from the Special Olympics was wonderful. I believe it was inspiring for them. Earlier, they played with Carlos (Alcaraz) and it was great they were excited also to played along with his coach to get some tips. It was great,” said Ferrero.
Day 1 also saw winners crowned in Mubadala Community Cup Presented by Healthpoint, the annual amateur competition for the region’s tennis enthusiasts. Nabil Tawil and Dhaiwik Kumar shared first place in the 10 and Under category, while Krill Gorokhov and Timur Gordeev, won the 12 and Under category. Javid Rzayez and Ernest Yakuboyskiy were named winners in the 14s & Under division, with Manabu Nagata winning the Men’s Singles titles and Maria Lyn taking home the Ladies Singles medal. Nicola Guzowska, Alex, Joniza Sarip, and Alvin Malon took the prize in the Mixed Doubles category.
The popular MWTC Kiddie Reporter feature made a welcome return with this year’s selected winner proving to be a real hit. Amina, aged 8, had a packed press conference room captivated as she quizzed World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz on his favourite Grand Slam, inspiration and the challenges he faces in tennis. She also interviewed World No.3 Casper Ruud.

The young star then took to centre court to perform the coin toss for the day’s opening match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Cameron Norrie.