Bringing the best tennis talent to Abu Dhabi.
With the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2022 set to return to Abu Dhabi on 16-18 December at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre, Team Yalla talks with Helen Mellor-Mitchell, Vice President Marketing, Flash Entertainment, about the MWTC 2022.
Could you give us an overview of the tournament?
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is an extremely unique event and was established back in 2009. It’s grown into the premier event in the Middle East and has cemented its position as the region’s leading tennis experience.
We are incredibly confident that the 14th edition will be another unmissable experience. It’s unique because it is an invitation-only, custom-made event that brings the world’s most talented tennis players together to compete in a series of elimination singles matches across three days and it’s really special because it’s such a family friendly event. It gives spectators unrivalled access to players on and off the court and as such has become one of the most anticipated events on the regions sporting calendar.
It offers ticket holders the opportunity to interact with players through player clinics, meet and greets and provides a host of fan activations in the tennis village. It’s really an experience for families as well as fans.
The Championship provides further opportunities for the UAE public to be part of the tennis experience through the popular ball kids and volunteer programmes.
Another important element is the focus on sustainability. For us, at Flash, as an industry leader, we feel as though we have an ongoing duty to think long term and contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals and ensure that the industry is sustainable so future generations can continue to enjoy the buzz of live events. Our partnership with DGrade, who are a UAE based renowned manufacturer of sustainable clothing products, is really important to us. They will collect all the single use plastic, including bottles used by the players themselves and convert it into clothing such as staff T-shirts and uniforms.
How excited should tennis fans be across the UAE to learn that the Championship is back once again and being hosted in Abu Dhabi?
Being hosted in Abu Dhabi is an important point. It’s a world class sporting cultural and tourism destination and its hosted major live sporting and entertainment events that attract visitors from across the world. The capital also boasts world class sporting arenas and stadiums including the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City.
2022 has seen a packed calendar of headline events including sports, concerts, arts culture and there is much more still to come. The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is the perfect example of Abu Dhabi’s key pillars in one event.
We’ve made it our mission to bring the best tennis talent. The fans deserve it, they’ve come to expect it and we will be delivering a world class line-up every year. For this year, as with previous, we have six of the worlds best male players and two of the top female players. Several new editions to the player line-up this year, several debuts which we’ve already announced – next generation of superstars. Men’s No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, men’s No.3 Casper Ruud and Emma Raducanu who is the British No.1 and as we all know US Open Champion last year where she made history.
There is a lot happening on the sidelines, but what is different this year compared to last year?
As I said, fans have great expectations from the event, and rightly so. We continue to evolve, and this edition will bring the world class tennis action as well as even more exciting activations off-court – a really well-rounded experience for all ticket holders. It’s a fun day for everyone.
There is live on-stage cooking, player clinics, practice sessions, Q&A sessions with the stars, food trucks, F&B tents, sponsor activations, merchandise, retail, children’s activities and entertainment. And of course, the famed Mubadala Community Cup Playoff Matches.
This is a really unique experience for those taking part to have access to a clinic for one of the world’s best players. The Community Cup will start on 5 November, and we have more than 300 ambitious players expected to take part and that is still open at the moment.
Furthermore, the Championship provides fans and spectators to be part of the popular Ball Kids and Volunteer Programme. The Ball Kids Programme is open to youths aged between 12 and 17, allowing them to experience a very special part of an international sports event and engage with the stars. The Volunteer Program is open to anyone over the age of 16. We are still seeking volunteers for a variety of positions.
Our one addition for this year, or a particular change to highlight is that we are very aware of accommodating another pretty major regional event. So, we have scheduled the Day 3 matches to take place earlier than usual to ensure fans are able to watch the FIFA World Cup Final which is scheduled to take place at 7pm UAE Time. The men’s final will take place at an earlier slot at 3pm and there will be more details announced regarding this in the coming weeks.
Are you a tennis fan? Who do you follow?
I certainly am! I think it’s probably the most enjoyable live sport experience and the Championship in Abu Dhabi, the atmosphere there is unparallel. I am a big Nadal fan, and nobody has won more times in Abu Dhabi than Rafael Nadal. He has contested six finals in Abu Dhabi and won five of them including the Championship’s longest final – a 38-game epic in 2019 against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
I am also a big Andy Murray fan as a Brit and with a Scottish husband and was rooting for him when he reached the final last year. Although he lost to a very well deserved Rublev, who is returning to defend his crown this year.
I am very excited for the women’s match with Ons Jabeur and Emma Raducanu. Ons was fantastic winning last year’s tournament, and the atmosphere was really incredible with the level of support she enjoyed, and Emma Raducanu is one of the most exciting young players in the sport. She is making her debut and is Great Britain’s top-ranked female and is sure to enjoy great support here, too. It should be a really thrilling match.
Who do you have your eye on to win?
The Championship fosters such a healthy competition between the leading tennis players we bring to Abu Dhabi. With such huge names already announced this year and with more to come, it’s really very hard to say. I am really looking forward to seeing some of the next generation superstars who are we are welcoming for the very first time as well as the return of the champs.
Tell us more about the best seats in the house? Why should we book them?
The best seats in the house are undoubtedly the Hospitality Premier section. These tickets provide ticket holders access to premier court side seating – you’re right in the action. There is a hospitality lounge and terrace access, supreme F&B menu options with table service, exclusive player interactions, and premier parking passes. It’s the ultimate experience but with that said, given the intimacy of the venue all ticket holders, Category 1 and 2 have access to excellent views, access to the Tennis Village and all that offers, all the on-going entertainment and opportunities to win prizes.
In addition, we revisited the ticket pricing strategy this year and tickets are cheaper than previous years, given that we’re seeing a huge demand for tickets. We always do but this year more than most. We would encourage fans to purchase early to avoid disappointment and to make sure they’re able to take advantage of hand-picking their seat at Zayed Sport City.
For more information, visit mubadalawtc.com
Follow Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life for all the latest news across the capital and beyond
