Nadal Enjoys a Splashing Good Time Prior to Dubai Tennis Championships

Dubai, UAE, February 25th, 2007: Defending champion Rafael Nadal took time out from his preparation for the Dubai Tennis Championships to satisfy his adventurous spirit at Wild Wadi, Dubai’s premier water park.

Displaying plenty of youthful enthusiasm, the 20-year-old Nadal eagerly made his way through the family-filled, Arabian-themed oasis located in the shadows of the Burj Al Arab. He enjoyed a couple of thrilling spins on an uphill water roller coaster, and relaxed on a raft as he drifted along the never-ending loop around the park.

Nadal also braved the view from the top of the Jumeirah Sceirah – the tallest and fastest free-fall speed slide outside of North America at 33 metres high – but elected to bypass the long plunge down the chute on the eve of the championships.

“It’s very nice,” said Nadal. “The weather is perfect and this is a very fun place for the kids – and for me, too.”

He added: “Dubai is improved every year. Every year I see something different so it’s a very nice place to be.”

The Spaniard, who returns for his third appearance at the $1.5 million Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open, also expressed his fondness of the tournament: “The tournament is one of the nicest tournaments in the system for sure. Especially being in this hotel and the club has very good facilities. The organization is very good and I have good memories of last year when I won. It’s very nice.”

Following his morning of relaxation at Wild Wadi, Nadal returned to the tennis court to resume his preparation for a tough opening round match against another of the ATP’s brightest young stars, Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis.

The talented 32-player field also includes such opponents as three-time champion Roger Federer, world number three Nikolay Davydenko, Adelaide winner Novak Djokovic, German number one Tommy Haas and the amiable Spaniard Tommy Robredo.

“It’s going to be a very good tournament,” Nadal said. “It’s very tough because the best players in the world play here.”

The Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

For further information: John Rynehart, Promoseven Sports Marketing,
(T) +9714 3210008; (M) +971 50 55 96795; john.rynehart@promoseven.com