Abu Dhabi, UAE - Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka will replace Fernando Verdasco at New Year's Capitala World Tennis Championship as the Spaniard prepares to heal a longstanding foot injury. Officials confirmed Tuesday that Wawrinka will join good friend Roger Federer in the field atthe exhibition 31 December through January 2.
Wawrinka joins a line-up also including Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko and Robin Soderling.
"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 have 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 number 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Verdasco, who was due to play the event for the first time, has withdrawn following adjustments to his schedule and a persistent foot injury which has been affecting him throughout the season.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."
