The future of UAE tennis took to the court this weekend as the annual Mubadala Community Cup powered by Healthpoint got underway at Meydan Tennis Academy in Dubai. The action-packed tennis sessions saw great competition from participants at the ‘10s and Under’ and ‘12s and Under’ levels, with the emerging talent battling for the ultimate prize; to win a once in a lifetime opportunity to join coaching sessions with the stars of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship from January 1-3, 2015.

The winners from the ‘10’s and Under’ and ‘12’s and Under’ will move on to play the Abu Dhabi champions in their age group to secure one of only 60 spots at exclusive coaching clinics with the likes of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Matches started in Abu Dhabi on November 7th with the last rounds taking place on November 21st in Abu Dhabi and November 28th in Dubai.

10 year old Garv Bahl, winner in the ‘10s and Under’, said:  “The competition was good. It was really tough today, there were no easy matches. I’m very excited about my prize. I would love to play with Rafa, he’s always full of energy and he never gives up at any point, he’s always going for the ball.”

Meanwhile Elias Anwar, 10, runner-up in the ‘10s and Under’ said: “I played well but he [Garv Bahl] played better. I had fun, the competition is good and this is my second year playing. I hope I get to play with Rafa in January, he’s a good role model.”

Agnes Anwar, Elias’ mum said: “We play lots of competitions in the UAE but this is the only one with this format and with such great prizes. His brother is playing in the 12s and I played the mixed doubles last year and won. I got to play with Wawrinka which was really special. He went on to win the Australian Open after so I think we gave him some good momentum!”

Open to all ages from eight years through to adults, player fields are divided into five categories; ‘10 and Under’, ‘12 and Under’, ‘14 and Under’, ‘16 and Under’ and adults’ mixed doubles, with an emphasis on developing young players. The winner, runner up and two raffle winners from each group will advance to the star player clinics and winners will also be awarded two tickets to day two of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

The annual Mubadala World Tennis Championship will take place from 1st-3rd January 2015 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City. World number 1 Novak Djokovic, world number 3 Rafael Nadal, reigning Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka, double Grand Slam winner Andy Murray and the crowd-loving duo of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gaël Monfils will all be competing for victory. Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ae and all Virgin Megastore outlets across the UAE or by calling 800 TM UAE (800 86 823). Prices start from AED 50 for upper bowl seating, with exclusive premier hospitality packages also available including food and beverage offers, star player meet and greets and premier stadium seating.

For more information: www.mubadalawtc.com and www.facebook.com/mubadalaworldtennischampionship