Andy Murray confirms tennis return in Abu Dhabi

Reigning Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has allayed the fears of UAE tennis fans by confirming he will be fit for next week's Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

The world No4, crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year last Sunday, has been sidelined since September after undergoing back surgery.

But after an intense training and rehabilitation programme in Miami over the past few weeks, Murray is now raring to go for the traditional season curtain raiser in the UAE capital.

"I've been training and having rehab every day and will continue to do so right up until just before Christmas when I fly to Abu Dhabi," said Murray.

"Coming back from injury is never easy and the lineup this year is so strong but it's exactly the test I need to see where my game is at. I'm looking forward to being part f what is always a great tournament."

Murray begins his quest for a second title in Abu Dhabi after winning the inaugural edition in 2009 against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Boxing Day.

The duo are joined by a world-class six-man field all of whom featuring inside the world's top 10.

World No1 Rafael Nadal returns after pulling out on the eve of last year's tournament while world No2 Novak Djokovic is aiming for a third successive title. David Ferrer and Stanislas Wawrinka complete the line-up.

SCHEDULE

Day 1 - December 26
5pm - David Ferrer v Stanislas Wawrinka
7pm Andy Murray v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Day 2 - December 27
12.30pm - Fifth place play-off
3pm - Rafael Nadal v (Winner of Ferrer v Wawrinka
5pm - Novak Djokovic v (Winner of Murray v Tsonga)

Day 3 - December 28
3pm - Third place play-off
5pm - Final