Tennis aces hail UAE's credentials as preparation base

Both the current best player in the world Novak Djokovic and ex-world No 1 Roger Federer yesterday hailed the UAE as a great place to use as a base for their preparations. Djokovic, who had a dream 2011 when he won three of the four Grand Slams and also upstaged Rafael Nadal at the top of the rankings, chose to launch his season from Abu Dhabi, where he has been preparing for more than a fortnight. In reply to a question from Gulf News, the Serbian ace said he was glad he came here. "It is turning out to be a good decision, being in Abu Dhabi for over two weeks and getting used to the conditions," Djokovic said after demolishing 16-time Grand Slam winner Federer at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship yesterday. "I like this part of the world for my preparations. This is the third or fourth year I am preparing here before I go to Australia, because for us Europeans it is very cold at this time of the year. It is great weather here, people are very kind, we feel [at] home and we have great facilities. "Great conditions to practice and of course the tournament like this one which allows you to have a couple of matches against the top players in the world, you can't ask for more. Property "That's why I like to work here. There is some great weather and you can just get into your shorts, shirt and start running on the beach, something you cannot do at this time of the year in Europe." When Gulf News asked him whether he was planning to buy property here in the UAE, Djokovic replied, "Yeah, why not. I will consider that in the near future because I like coming back here. I always come back for the Dubai tournament and now Abu Dhabi. They have become two favourite places in this part of the world." Federer, who is playing in this tournament for the fourth time, said his stints here over the years had made him ‘match tough'. Though he has not won the Abu Dhabi event, Federer, who has a home in Dubai, said he will be back next year to try and win the title. "When I finally win here it is going to be so much nicer. I will definitely come back if I am invited. The people of Abu Dhabi have been very friendly," he said. "I spend about two to three months here. I come here at summer time when it is extremely hot, I come to sort of get ready for the US Open, which also can be hot. "I am used to the heat and humidity here. It has helped me pretty well over the years."