2009-12-08 12:23:38
WAM Abu Dhabi, Dec 8th, 2009 (WAM) -- Roger Federer, the world number one, will return to Abu Dhabi later this year refreshed and looking to start his season in the perfect way when he takes on a superstar line-up of the world's best at the Capitala World Tennis Championship.

Federer, who fell in the semi finals to Andy Murray in the inaugural event, has made it clear that the Capitala World Tennis Championship is one tournament he wants to add to his long list of achievements.

Federer said: "I loved playing in Abu Dhabi last year for the first time and I was really disappointed to have lost in the semi finals. The atmosphere in the stadium and the overall response and support from the public was wonderful and I would truly love to go a step further this time round and win the title." Federer headlines an impressive field which includes his rival and world number two Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko, Robin S?derling and Stanislas Wawrinka.

The Swiss star is due to arrive at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex well rested and with his eyes firmly set on adding the Abu Dhabi title to his bulging trophy cabinet.

Federer proved hugely popular with the local tennis fans during the last Capitala World Tennis Championship which saw international tennis come to Abu Dhabi for the very first time.

He even spent time with aspiring local players who participated in a �Star Player Clinic' around the tournament where the Swiss master passed on his expert tips and knowledge to wide-eyed youngsters from across the country.

John Lickrish, Managing Director of Flash Entertainment, the Abu Dhabi-based events company behind the award-winning tournament, said: "We are proud of the fact that Roger is returning to the Capitala World Tennis Championship for the second time and that he has been so positive about the way the tournament was run and its overall success.

The Capitala World Tennis Championship will be held from 31 December, 2009 - 2 January, 2010 at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City.

WAM/AMIR