Rafael Nadal and Milos Raonic confirmed for Abu Dhabi

Former world No1 Rafael Nadal will return to Abu Dhabi for the eighth edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in the new year, organisers have announced. The 14-time Grand Slam winner, who is aiming for a hat-trick of titles in the UAE capital having won the event in 2010 and 2011, will be joined by debutant Milos Raonic. "I’m happy to see new faces entering the tournament this year which shows it continues to grow and offer a new challenge for us players," Nadal said. "I’m looking forward to spending time with the local crowds, they are always very supportive.”World Number 9 Roanic is equally excited by the prospect of making his UAE bow: "For me it will be my first time in Abu Dhabi so it’s going to be a new experience and I’ll be on the lookout for the Canadian flags in the stands for support," he said. This year's tournament will be held between Thursday, December 31 and Saturday, January 2. Tickets go on sale this Monday, September 28 at 12pm.