Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Stan Wawrinka is a firm believer of retracing successful paths and so the reigning French Open and former Australian Open champion is heading back to Abu Dhabi to start his 2016 campaign at the lucrative Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

Wawrinka will have played the event four times and it was a crucial part of his preparation before winning his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne in 2014. He joins Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Milos Raonic in the early player commitments for tournament that runs from December 31st until January 2nd at the emirate’s Zayed Sports City.

“Abu Dhabi has been really good to me over the years and I’m looking forward to getting back on the court there in front of that excited crowd,” said the world no. 4. “The atmosphere is always electric and the conditions are perfect.

The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is entering its eighth year with generous guarantees for the competing players and a ‘winner-takes-all’ prize of US $250,000.

Wawrinka added: “The lineup is strong and the competition will be tough – but that just means it’s always great entertainment for the fans. It seems to be one of the most competitive line ups yet but that’s exactly what we look for as players; pushing ourselves early so we can start the season strong.

“The past few years have started very well for me and Abu Dhabi has played a part in that. I’m looking forward to it already.”

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.