Doha: Tennis aficionados across the world would be all set for some high-adrenaline, fist-thumping ATP action as pros of the league start this year’s campaign with season opener Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Monday.
The six-day hard-court ATP event, that carries a combined purse of $1,283,855, has been decorated with an array of stars. Leading the fray is World No. 1, Serbian Novak Djokovic.
Clearly, the tennis ace was delighted with the star-studded field. “I am looking forward to playing here. This is my second outing in Doha and it’s a perfect start to the season with great line-up of players,” said the Serbian while addressing reporters on Sunday.
Djokovic, who landed in the Arabian soil early on Wednesday, would be expecting keen contest from Spaniards Rafael Nadal, who is currently ranked 5 on the pro tour and 33-year old defending champion David Ferrer, currently 7th.
While Nadal would be looking forward to hit back into the groove on the courts that saw him emerge triumphant in 2014, countryman Ferrer is banking on fine momentum that saw him clinch the Vienna Open overpowering Fabio Fognini, Gaël Monfils and Steve Johnson in October thereby pushing his unbeaten run to 5-0.
The event has assumed significance for the 29-year old Nadal, who started the 2015 season as a defending champion, but suffered a shocking three set defeat to Michael Berrer in the very first round.
Also the Spaniard would be looking to make amends to his rather ordinary 2015 season that was punctuated by injuries. Probably, one of this most forgettable defeats was his loss to French Open finalist Djokovic in the quarterfinals that ended his winning streak of 39 consecutive victories in Paris since his defeat by Robin Söderling in 2009.
Even though the clay court expert went on to win the 2015 Mercedes Cup against Serbian Viktor Troicki, his first grass court title since he won at Wimbledon in 2010, he was unable to continue his good form.
No wonder Rafa is gearing up for the season opener, Qatar ExxonMobil Open. “Very happy to be in Doha soon for the Qatar Open. It is always a great way to start the season. Always found great warm at that event from the staff and spectators. Fantastic event. See you soon,” he said in a pre-event statement.
Defending champion Ferrer was ecstatic. “I’m pleased to kick off my new season in Doha again, I have lovely memories there especially after clinching the title in the last season, I will be there to defend my title and I hope I will be able to do so!”
But Djokovic continues to be the favourite keeping his sublime form in consideration. The man won the Australian Open, reached the finals of the French Open going down to Wawrinka, before bouncing back with renewed vigour to stamp his supremacy at the Wimbledon and US Open.
Last year’s finalist, World No. 6, Tomas Berdych, who had gone down 4-6, 5-7 to Ferrer, would also be eyeing a good finish here.
Seeds at Qatar ExxonMobil Open
1. Novak Djokovic (rank 1)
2. Rafael Nadal (5)
3. Tomas Berdych (6)
4. David Ferrer (7)
5. Feliciano Lopez (17)
6. Andreas Seppi (29)
7. Jeremy Chardy (31)
8. Leonardo Mayer (35)
Prize money
· Winner - $201,165
· Finalist - $105,940
· Semi-finalist - $57,380
· Quarter-finalist - $32,700
· Second round - $19,265
· First round - $11,415
