The Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open comprised a series of tournaments which took place at multiple venues across Abu Dhabi
While the headlines at this year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open were dominated by the likes of Ons Jabeur, Emma Raducanu and eventual winner Elena Rybakina, a community initiative also shone bright at this year’s event.
The Road to Mubadala was created to provide a pathway for aspiring players within the UAE to improve and enhance their skills allowed participants to compete for an array of incredible prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip to train at the prestigious Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Spain.
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Developed by Mubadala in partnership with the UAE Tennis Federation, the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open comprised a series of tournaments which took place at multiple venues across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, with categories for children aged between 12 and 18, along with adults over the age of 35.
Points earned during the competitions contributed to both the player’s official UAE ranking and the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open ranking, with the top four performers in each category progressing to a play-off, which was held on the final weekend of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City to determine the overall champions.
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The Under-14s male and female tournaments were won by Mithun Sendilkumar and Isabelle James respectively, while Timur Gordee and Saida Ismail were victorious in the Under-16s competitions.
All four players now have the opportunity to train alongside some of the world’s most exceptional junior talents at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy, which has produced stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon champion in 2023.
The winners were presented with their trophies on Stadium Court by Monica Puig, former professional and 2016 Olympic gold medallist.
Isabelle James was also triumphant in the Under-12s category, along with Leon Wojciechowski, with both players, along with the Under-18s champions – Karina Ogorodnikova and Hani Saray Al Deen – winning one month of private lessons at a UAE tennis academy.
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Callista Uchil, Mehul John and Manabu Nagata, all winners in the adults competition, were rewarded with tennis equipment, vouchers, prize money and tickets to watch the professionals in action at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
The Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is now an annual event, meaning there are huge opportunities not only for tennis to evolve within the UAE, but also for players with big aspirations to compete for big prizes.
For further information, visit mubadalaabudhabiopen.com
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