Top-ranked Iga Swiatek to kick off action at World Tennis League in Dubai

Full line-up and draw announced for inaugural tournament at Coca-Cola Arena that also sees likes of Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios in action

Ons Jabeur, Iga Swiatek, and Martina Navratilova pose for a picture after the US Open final at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2022 in New York City. AFP

Ons Jabeur poses with the runners-up plate after being defeated by Iga Swiatek in the 2022 US Open final. AFP

Iga Swiatek celebrates with the championship trophy after winning the 2022 US Open. Getty

Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur pose for photos during the trophy ceremony following their US Open final match. AFP

Iga Swiatek lifts the US Open trophy after winning the final against Ons Jabeur. AFP

Ons Jabeur lifts the runners-up trophy after being defeated by Iga Swiatek in the US Open final. AFP

Iga Swiatek with the championship trophy after winning the US Open final. Getty

Ons Jabeur applauds Iga Swiatek during the US Open trophy ceremony. Reuters

Iga Swiatek hugs Ons Jabeur during the trophy ceremony following the 2022 US Open final. AFP

Ons Jabeur kicks the ball in frustration during the US Open final against Iga Swiatek. Getty

Iga Swiatek and her team celebrate with the trophy after her win against Ons Jabeur in the US Open final. Getty

Iga Swiatek celebrates with the championship trophy after defeating Ons Jabeur in the US Open final. Getty

Iga Swiatek hits a return to Ons Jabeur during the 2022 US Open final. AFP

Iga Swiatek slumps to the court in celebration after winning the 2022 US Open. AFP

Iga Swiatek greets Ons Jabeur after her win in the US Open final. Getty

Iga Swiatek celebrates a point against Ons Jabeur during the US Open final. Getty

Ons Jabeur hits a backhand to Iga Swiatek during the US Open final. Getty

Ons Jabeur reacts after losing a point to Iga Swiatek during the US Open final. AP

World No 1 Iga Swiatek will kick off the action as the full line-up and draw was announced for the new World Tennis League in Dubai.

Swiatek, who is reigning champion at both the French and US Opens, will face Caroline Garcia on Day 1 on December 19 at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena. Garcia is one of only a handful of players who managed to beat Swiatek in 2022.

Also playing on the opening day is Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios who takes on world No 6 Felix Auger-Alliassime.

Day 2 sees all-time great Novak Djokovic tackle former world No 2 Alexander Zverev, while four-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka is up against reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

In the official draw released on Monday, 18 players have been placed into four teams and will compete in a round-robin format, featuring a men’s singles, a women’s singles and a mixed doubles. Matches will consist of two sets, with a tiebreaker played if necessary.

The players have an impressive 39 Grand Slam titles to their names, including a remarkable 21 singles crowns held by Djokovic, while fans at the event can then also enjoy post-match concerts from six top artists from around the globe in Tiesto, deadmau5, Wizkid, Armin van Buuren, Mohamed Ramadan and Ne-Yo.

After her involvement was announced in September, Swiatek said: “I like it most when tennis connects people and when it's true entertainment. When it's combined with a great show and music, it's even better, so that's the reason why I'm excited to join this year's World Tennis League.”

Swiatek is part of 'The Kites' team that also contains Auger-Aliassime, Gael Monfils, Sania Mirza and Eugenie Bouchard.

The Eagles will be made up of Kyrgios, Rohan Bopanna, Garcia, Bianca Andreescu and Andreas Seppi. Djokovic is part of 'The Falcons' team alongside Grigor Dimitrov, Sabalenka and Paula Badosa.

And finally, 'The Hawks' consist of Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Rybakina and Annett Kontaveit.

“The World Tennis League promises a memorable experience for everyone who attends the 'Greatest Show On Court', and the four teams are certain to provide excitement and thrills galore as they each fight it out for the right to be crowned champions,” said Scott Davidoff, chief executive of the tournament.

“And what better combination can there be, with award-winning entertainers following on-court tennis action to round out each day in style.”

Register now for the World Tennis League pre-sale and receive a 10 per cent discount on tickets at https://presale.coca-cola-arena.com/world-tennis-league.

For more information on the World Tennis League, please visit: www.worldtennisleague.com.