ABU DHABI: Women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and men’s world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev are among the top tennis stars that will feature in season two of the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi.
Adding to a strong field, the WTL has confirmed the addition of world No. 5 and Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, and world No. 6 and 2023 Grand Slam quarterfinalist Andrey Rublev.
The organizers have also revealed the return of world No. 2 and four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, and the 2022 Wimbledon champion and world No. 5 Elena Rybakina.
The second season will see 16 of the world’s best players compete at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena from Dec. 21 to 24, with the full roster to be announced in the coming weeks.
Sabalenka will be looking to finish 2023 on a high while preparing for a title defense in Melbourne in early 2024. She has had a strong year following the Australian Open win, with semifinal appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon, and making the final at the US Open.
Sabalenka said: “I’m excited to be returning for this season and really looking forward to seeing who I’ll be joining on court at this year’s World Tennis League. Last year, we had a great time on and off the court, and I’m hoping this will help me to prepare for next season.”
In the men’s draw, Medvedev will be eyeing a positive finish to the year after a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon, and a battling performance in this year’s US Open final.
Medvedev commented: “After seeing what the players experienced last year, I’m delighted to be joining for this season of the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi. I’ve played several times in the UAE and always enjoy coming back, and I’m aiming to finish this year on a positive note there.”
The format will see the players split into four teams with two matches every day from day one to three, in men’s and women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles. The top two teams will compete on Dec. 24, the final day of the tournament.
Rajesh Banga, chairman of the WTL, said: “This year’s player draw featured an exceptional roster of Grand Slam champions, and ATP and WTA title winners, and we are thrilled that Aryna, Iga, Elena, Daniil, Stefanos and Andrey will be joining us for this enticing showdown in December.”
“This season is set to bring some thrilling moments on court, and with world-class tennis action alongside the event’s evening concerts featuring award-winning artists, we encourage people to purchase their tickets now for an unmissable spectacle.”
