Saudi Arabia: Big-serving American John Isner, with over 1000 aces this season, and five-time ATP champion Lucas Pouille of France, an Australian Open semi-finalist this year, will join the four players already confirmed for the unique showdown.
The pair will battle three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, the current world number 4, 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 (Belgium), the former world number 7. Two final star ‘wildcards’ are yet to be revealed.
The outdoor hard court tournament played across three-days December 12th, 13th and 14th is being staged as part of the month-long Diriyah Season in the historic UNESCO World Heritage site on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Tickets are now available at www.diriyahseason.sa with nine different ticket categories available to suit all budgets – the perfect event for groups of friends and families.
Peter-Michael Reichel, Co-Chairman of Basel Sports Group, the tournament organizer, said: “It is getting very exciting now, we have revealed six of our stars, all who rank among the best men’s players on the planet. For passionate tennis fans, and for anyone who enjoys the drama of live sport, this will be a must-see. Especially as this history-making tournament will be played in this iconic and unique location.
“Ticket start from as little as SAR55 for a single’s days action, representing incredible value to watch these world greats in action. That’s in line with our ambition to inspire as many tennis fans to participate in this historic events.”
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.
The 6’10″(208cm) Isner, the current world number 16, has racked up a staggering 11,919 aces throughout his career and is second on the all-time list, meanwhile Pouille most recently made it to the quarter-final of the Japan Open last month, and is a former world number 10 (currently number 19).
