Almagro confirmed to join the world-class line-up for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Abu Dhabi, Dec 27, 2012 (WAM) - World number eleven Nicolas Almagro from Spain has been confirmed to join the world-class line-up for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship following the late withdrawal of Rafael Nadal due to a stomach virus. Spanish star Almargo with make his debut in Abu Dhabi as a direct replacement for Nadal joining world number one Novak Djokovic, reigning US Open Champion and world number three Andy Murray, world number five David Ferrer, world number six Tomas Berdych and world number nine Janko Tipsarevic. Tournament organisers IMG have confirmed the match schedule will remain unchanged with Almargo directly taking the place of Nadal in the semi-final on Day 2, Friday 28th December, where he will play the winner of Murray and Tipsarevic. Already some of the all-time greatest names in tennis have arrived in Abu Dhabi ahead of the opening day of the tournament with 28 year old Almargo due to reach the UAE in the next 24 hours. Almargo joins the stellar player field having ended the 2012 season ranked among the World's Top 15 for 3rd straight year, highlighted by a personal-best 58 match wins, 2 ATP World Tour titles and a 5-2 record in Davis Cup play in leading Spain to final. Fans with day one tickets will enjoy the lively atmosphere from the later time of 5pm on Thursday 27th December as part of a sensational opening night of the championship as Murray takes on Serbian superstar Janko Tipsarevic followed by David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych. Murray is expected to receive a hero's welcome following a three-year absence in Abu Dhabi, as the British star makes his only planned appearance in the UAE over the next 12 months. On day 2 of the championship, Novak Djokovic lies in wait to play the winner of the opening night's match between Ferrer and Berdych at 3pm, with Almargo second on centre court at 5pm facing the winner Murray and Tipsarevic. In addition to the world-class displays of tennis on show in Abu Dhabi, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is packed with off-court action for all the family. From 12pm on Day 1 players will be holding coaching clinics, before signing autographs in the afternoon as well as a special Kids' Question Time session in the Tennis Village. The village opens at 10.30am, entry, meeting the stars and soaking up the tennis atmosphere are all free. The Mubadala World Tennis Championship runs from 27th December to 29th December 2012. - Emirates News Agency, WAM