Andrey Rublev joins Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem in Abu Dhabi

• Tennis News
• ATP Tennis

The 13th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship takes place at Abu Dhabi's International Tennis Centre in Zayed Sports City between December 16-18. The organizers had already signed the five-time winner Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Casper Ruud and Denis Shapovalov, and world no.

5 Andrey Rublev has joined the strong field on Tuesday. The Russian will compete in Abu Dhabi for the third time, losing to Roberto Bautista Agut on his debut in 2017 and beating another Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta to finish fifth.

In the opening match two years ago, Andrey lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas before prevailing over Hyeon Chung in two tie breaks for another fifth place. The Russian will seek a deeper run next month, enjoying a great season and wishing to end it on a high note against the rivals from the top-15.

Despite a poor run in the last four events, Andrey has won 48 matches in 2021, winning the ATP Cup title for Russia, reaching the Australian Open quarter-final and conquering Rotterdam. Andrey was the semi-finalist in Doha, Dubai and Miami before reaching the first Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo, losing it to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Rublev played in the final in Halle and advanced into the last 16 at Wimbledon before securing the second Masters 1000 final in Cincinnati, where he fell to Alexander Zverev. The Russian has won only seven of the previous 14 encounters and will try to change that at the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin.

Andrey Rublev will compete at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

"It's fascinating to be heading back to Abu Dhabi and playing in front of the fans there. They really know their tennis and make a real difference. And, with the event at full capacity, it's going to be a great way to begin a busy 2022 season," Andrey Rublev said.

"We've raised the bar every year since the inception of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and always strive to bring the best players in the world to Abu Dhabi.

Andrey's confirmation means we now have five truly world-class players lined up for the exciting return of the Championship, with three more to come. Andrey has a great connection with the Championship and a strong following in the UAE, so his return to a full stadium will undoubtedly create a lot of enthusiasm among tennis fans in the UAE and beyond," John Lickrish, CEO, Flash Entertainment, said.