Djokovic, Wawrinka target Abu Dhabi return

Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka are due to make their competitive return after six months injury time out when they play in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

The organisers on Tuesday officially announced Djokovic and Wawrinka as the the final two players to complete the six-star line-up for this year's event.  The world number one, Rafael Nadal, Pablo Carreno Busta, Dominic Thiem and Milos Raonic were already confirmed for the 10th edition of the tournament in Abu Dhabi.

The former world number ones have not played since Wimbledon, with Djokovic nursing a long-term elbow problem and Wawrinka undergoing knee surgery.

With an established reputation as one of the UAE's unmissable sporting events, the world renowned tennis competition, running from December 28-30, is set to 'wow' spectators with a strong 2017 line-up.

Having won at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship three times, Novak Djokovic, sees the 2017 tournament as the perfect chance return to the game after an extended break in the second half of 2016.

The 30-year-old Serb, winner of 68 career titles, expressed he is keen to get back on court. "I am extremely excited to return to Abu Dhabi for the fifth time and take part in the 10th edition of the championship. It is a huge honour to take part in such a special tournament. The line-up is very strong as always and it will be the perfect way to make my comeback and begin the season. Abu Dhabi is an amazing place and this is going to be a great event for all of the fans," he was quoted in a press release by the organisers on Tuesday.

For Wawrinka, an Olympic champion and member of a Davis Cup winning team, competing in Abu Dhabi isn't something new as this year will be his fifth appearance. After a spectacular French Open final against former champion Rafael Nadal, Wawrinka ended his 2017 season due to injury, and will be aiming for a perfect comeback in Abu Dhabi.

Wawrinka has always considered the Mubadala Championship the best way to begin the new season. "It is always a pleasure to kick the season off at the beautiful event in Abu Dhabi. The fans are amazing there and the draw is as strong as always with a lot of great players. My recovery is going well and I can't wait to be back on court. I'm working hard together with my team and looking forward to being back."

Source: Khaleej Times