Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic scheduled to meet in the Mubadala World Championship final
RAFAEL NADAL and Novak Djokovic could face off at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship if both players reach the final.
Wimbledon: Djokovic forced to retire from match over injury
The ATP season came to a close on Sunday with Grigor Dimitrov’s victory at the World Tour Finals.
But attention is moving towards preparations for 2018 when the likes of Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka will make their returns to tennis after an injury lay-off.
Nadal and Djokovic have both been confirmed to appear at the warm-up event in Abu Dhabi.
And the draw for the tournament has set up the intriguing prospect of pair meeting in the final.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic last meet each other at the Madrid Open
Nadal and Djokovic have both been confirmed to appear at the warm-up event in Abu Dhabi
Nadal and Djokovic have byes to the second round with Dominic Thiem or Milos Raonic set to face the world No 1 while Pablo Carreno Busta and Wawrinka will face each other for the right to play the Serbian.
Djokovic has not played competitive tennis since July when he withdrew from Wimbledon with an elbow problem but is looking forward to returning to the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.
"I am extremely excited to return to Abu Dhabi for the fifth time and take part in the 10th edition of the championship," Djokovic said
"It is a huge honour to take part in such a special tournament. The line-up is very strong as always and it will be the perfect way to make my comeback and begin the season.
“Abu Dhabi is an amazing place and this is going to be a great event for all of the fans.”
Novak Djokovic has not played tennis since Wimbledon in July
December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta - 1pm (UK time)
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem - not before 3pm
December 29
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta - 1pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem - not before 3pm
December 30
3rd/4th place play-off - 1pm
Final - 3pm