Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Following a spectacular opening night of top-flight tennis on centre court, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship ushered in the New Year in true sporting style on day two of the tournament, January 1. 14-time Grand Slam champion and firm fan favourite Rafael Nadal made his first appearance of the year in Abu Dhabi when he helped young winners of the Mubadala Community Cup powered by Healthpoint get their 2016 off to a flying start with a tennis clinic for the under 10 and under 12 category victors. Canada’s Milos Raonic, who joins the stellar player line-up for the first time, was also in action on the clinic courts, hosting winners from the adult category where they picked up some expert tips before going on to battle it out in a Mubadala Community Cup inter-emirate play-off.

Victor Paganetti, 12 years old said: “It was an incredible experience playing with Rafa and I came over from France especially to be here for this. He is my favourite tennis player and I have met him before but to actually play with him was so much better. I hope to become a professional tennis player one day so this was a great experience for me.”

Meanwhile in Tennis Village, fans had the chance to meet David Ferrer and Stan Wawrinka when they signed autographs for expectant visitors of all ages.

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.