Some of the biggest names in tennis set to compete in lucrative event this week – here’s all you need to know

Kevin Palmer 18 Dec 2023 7:42 PM

Iga Swiatek of Poland and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus before their match

Tennis may be in hibernation ahead of the start of the new season later this month, but some of the biggest names in the sport will be in action this week.

Women’s world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka and No 4 Elena Rybakina are all taking part in the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi.

This mixed-gender event will also feature some of the biggest names in the men’s game, with world No 3 Daniil Medvedev joined by world No 5 Andrey Rublev and world No 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas.

All the players taking part have been split into four teams, with the Eagles team led by Medvedev, the Falcons will be fronted by Taylor Fritz, Swiatek on the Hawks team and Sabalenka on a Kites team that also features Grigor Dimitrov and Tsitsipas.

The teams will play each other in a round-robin format that consists of one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match and a mixed doubles match.

Following the round-robin phase, the top two teams will face off in the final on 24 December, with big prize money up for grabs.

“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,” said Sabalenka.

“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.”

Medvedev also talked up the prospect of playing in Abu Dhabi as he counts down to the start of the new season.

READ MORE: Jack Draper’s staggering prize money revealed as he wins UTS Grand Final in London

“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,” said Medvedev.

“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.”

US rapper 50 Cent will headline the World Tennis League opening night show at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena and he will be supported by veteran British band UB40.

This is the second edition of this exhibition event, with Novak Djokovic the headline act as he played in Abu Dhabi last year.

The presence of Djokovic in the World Tennis League competition confirms that organisers pay huge money to attract the biggest names in the game.

Yet both Djokovic and world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz are not able to take part this week as they are preparing to play in a mega-money exhibition match in Saudi Arabia on December 27th.

Appearance fees for major stars to play in tournaments at this stage of the year are proving to be a lucrative source of additional income, with Great Britain’s Jack Draper walking away with an impressive $546,800 for winning his five quick-fire matches at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Grand Final in London last weekend.

That was almost as much cash as Draper earned throughout the entire season on the professional tour and all the big names playing in Abu Dhabi this week can expect big cash payouts for what is essentially practice matches ahead of the serious action when they head down to Australia next week.

Alexander Zeverv beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final of the men’s event in 2022, with Rybakina recording an eye-catching 6-3 6-1 win against Swiatek in the women’s final.

FULL LIST OF PLAYERS TAKING PART IN WORLD TENNIS LEAGUE

Daniil Medvedev

Andrey Rublev

Taylor Fritz

Hubert Hurkacz

Casper Ruud

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Grigor Dimitrov

Sumit Nagal

Iga Swiatek

Aryna Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina