RIYADH: Two more big names in the tennis world were added to the star-studded lineup of Saudi Arabia’s first-ever international tennis tournament in December.
Big-serving American John Isner, with over 1000 aces this season, and five-time Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) champion Lucas Pouille of France, an Australian Open semi-finalist this year, will join the four players already confirmed for the showdown happening from Dec. 12 to 14 in Diriyah.
The pair will battle three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, the current world number four, Daniil Medvedev of Russia, talented world number 12 Fabio Fogini, who was the first Italian to win an ATP Masters 1000 title this year in Monte Carlo, and highly rated David Goffin from Belgium, the former world number seven.
Two final star ‘wildcards’ are yet to be revealed. Three of the tennis stars sent video greetings to Saudi Arabia, expressing their excitement for the tournament. In one video greeting Fabio Fogini expressed his excitement, saying: “I am very happy to come to Saudi Arabia for the first time in my life to play in Diriyah Tennis Cup in December.”He was joined by Goffin, who is also excited for his first visit to the Kingdom, saying: “I am looking forward to see you there Saudi Arabia.” Meanwhile Stan ‘the man’ Wawrinka, was feeling competitive, telling fans: “In the land of Kings and Heroes it is time to crown as a tennis champion.”The tournament is part of the month-long Diriyah Season in the historic UNESCO World Heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh.
The Diriyah Tennis Cup is taking place at the 15,000-seater Diriyah Arena being purpose built at the ancient site of the Kingdom’s first capital, known as the home of kings and heroes.
The tournament will happen just a week after the same venue plays host to the Clash On The Dunes, the world heavyweight title fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua OBE.
