Milos Raonic all set for Abu Dhabi tennis debut

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Milos Raonic all set for Abu Dhabi tennis debut Big-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic hopes to take the Mubadala World Tennis Championship by storm when he makes his debut in the Abu Dhabi event from December 31 to January 2. The 24-year-old has set tennis crowds all over the world alight with his blistering, hard-hitting 125mph serve ever since bursting onto the scene in 2011 when he won his first ATP title. In his first match at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City, Raonic will take on the South African Kevin Anderson in what will be an intriguing battle between the two debutants who are confirmed for the 2016 season season-opener. Completing the star-studded line-up is 14-time Grand Slam winner and former World no.1 Rafael Nadal, reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka, pacey Spaniard David Ferrer and crowd favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Raonic said: “I’ve only heard positive things about this tournament and the city of Abu Dhabi, and looking at the line-up it is for sure going to be a challenging few days. “It’s really great to be able to test yourself against world-class opponents before the new season and to play in new places, so I can’t wait to get ready for business. Hopefully I’ll get to see a lot of Canadian flags in the stands, and although it’s still early, I’ll definitely be looking for a strong performance.” In addition to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship trophy – whose previous claimants include Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal – there is a $250,000 cash prize up for grabs in the capital. For Raonic though, the current world No. 4, it is all about getting in perfect shape for his most important season yet. “I’m excited for 2016, I must admit,” he added. “I’m still young and still improving, and it’s only been two years since I broke into the world’s top-10. My target is to add to my five ATP titles and to climb the rankings even further, but it’s also an Olympic year and I’m keen to do well in Rio. Hopefully Abu Dhabi can be the catalyst that I need to prepare for a big year.” Raonic made his Olympic debut in London 2012 aged only 21, but despite playing the second-longest match of 66 games over three sets in Olympic history, he was knocked out by fellow Mubadala World Tennis Championship regular Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. In order for the prospect of a rematch against the Frenchman in Abu Dhabi to become reality, Raonic must first overcome Kevin Anderson in his opening match and then win a tantalising semi-final showdown against Stan Wawrinka, while Tsonga needs to defeat David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal.   Read the original story at: Milos Raonic all set for Abu Dhabi tennis debut