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  • Swiss Stan joins Abu Dhabi exhibition field to replace Verdasco

    11/18/09 11:12 AM | Johan Lindahl
    Swiss Stan joins Abu Dhabi exhibition field to replace Verdasco Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka will replace Fernando Verdasco at New Year's Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi as the Spaniard prepares to heal a longstanding foot injury.

    Wawrinka will join good friend Roger Federer in the field of the exhibition from December 31 through January 2.

    Wawrinka joins a line-up also including Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko and Robin Söderling.

    "I'm really looking forward to playing in Abu Dhabi over the New Year and having another opportunity to play against the likes of Roger and the other top players," said Wawrinka. "I've heard some great reports about the tournament from the players who competed in the first event and with Roger and Rafa both returning it's a great indication of just how successful it was."

    The Swiss reached a career-high No. 9 last year.

    Verdasco, who was due to play the event for the first time, has withdrawn following adjustments to his schedule and a persistent foot injury which has been affecting him throughout the season.

    "Unfortunately, I have decided - in conjunction with my coaches - that I need to make several adjustments to my schedule for the beginning of 2010," he said in a statement.

    "Throughout the year I have suffered from a foot injury for which I was to have surgery after the US Open. My doctors advised me to reconsider the surgery and to make a decision after the Davis Cup Finals.

    "Regardless of whether or not I have the surgery, I will need to take a significant time of rest and thus I will not be able to participate in the tournament."

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