Spanish star Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will be playing in the 2016 Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

The season opener will be hosted next month from December 29 to 31 at the International Tennis Complex in Zayed Sports City.

The current reigning champ of the tournament is keen to defend his title. “I really enjoy the fans, the competition and the atmosphere in the stadium in Abu Dhabi. It is the best way to start my season,” said Nadal. “After playing in Abu Dhabi I went on to play some great matches on the tour at the start of the year and I’ll be hoping for even better this time.”

So who else is coming? Expect a strong line-up of pros, all ranked within the top 12 in the world. In addition to the already confirmed stars including Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Milos Raonic is Czech player Tomas Berdych, who last played in the capital in 2012.

MORE: Andy Murray confirmed for Mubadala

New to the tournament this year is Belgian pro David Goffin. The 25-year-old, who will be competing for the very first time in the Middle East, is currently ranked at World No 11. “It’s going to be amazing to compete in Abu Dhabi and I am really proud to be selected amongst such a world class line-up,” added Goffin.

Tickets start from Dhs50 and are on sale now. For more information visit: mubadalawtc.com