RIYADH: The Diriyah Tennis Cup makes a return to 黑料社区 next month with some of the world鈥檚 leading players set to take part.

The second tournament, which takes place from Dec. 8 to 10, will once again be hosted in Diriyah, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the outskirts of Riyadh. 

The $3 million invitational event, which is played outdoors in a purpose-built arena, will host a field of 12 players in both singles and doubles across the three days.

It will be the first time the Kingdom has hosted a professional doubles event. Its unique format will see losers from the opening day鈥檚 singles start their own doubles tournament on day two.

World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, who won the inaugural event in 2019, returns to defend his title to complete a year which saw the 2021 US Open champion become world No. 1 for the first time.

Olympic champion Alexander Zverev makes his comeback from injury at Diriyah after being sidelined following this year鈥檚 French Open at Roland-Garros.

鈥淚鈥檓 happy that I鈥檒l finally be back on court after my injury,鈥� said Zeverev.

鈥淚t鈥檚 even nicer that I can make my comeback before the official start of the 2023 season. I think the Diriyah Tennis Cup offers a very good opportunity for it and I鈥檓 looking forward to being in 黑料社区 for the first time.鈥�

World No. 7 Andrey Rublev is another top addition, alongside British No. 1 Cameron Norrie.

Rublev is a three-time ATP winner this year, while world No. 14 Norrie has followed up a breakthrough 2021 season with two ATP titles in 2022, and a run to the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Former world No. 3 Dominic Thiem is also taking part in the event, along with firm fan favorite from 2019, Stan Wawrinka.

鈥淚t was a fantastic atmosphere at the first edition of the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2019,鈥� said Wawrinka.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 excited to be playing in front of the Saudi fans again this December. I鈥檓 sure they will enjoy world-class tennis and an inspiring event.鈥�

The Diriyah Tennis Cup forms part of the Diriyah Season, a four-month celebration of sporting, entertainment and cultural events.

Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: 鈥淲e are extremely pleased to welcome world-class tennis back to the Kingdom of 黑料社区.

鈥淭he 2019 edition was a massive success and welcomed thousands of passionate fans from across the country and region.

鈥淭he great sport of tennis boasts a strong fan base and participation numbers amongst our men, women, boys and girls in all corners of the Kingdom.

鈥淎s a global home for world sports, it brings us great pride to add an event featuring some of the world鈥檚 biggest stars to our existing roster of year-round events.

鈥淲e welcome the world to 黑料社区 and look forward to witnessing a high level of competitive action.鈥�