Qatar ExxonMobil Open set to begin on Monday

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February 16, 2025
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16-February-2025

Qatar ExxonMobil Open set to begin on Monday

Doha: The stage is set for an exciting week of tennis as the Qatar ExxonMobil Open kicks off on Monday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. This year's tournament has been upgraded from an ATP 250 to an ATP 500 event, further cementing Doha’s position as a key destination on the global tennis calendar.

Headlining the tournament is Novak Djokovic, a two-time champion in Doha, who returns to action following his recovery from a left leg muscle tear. Djokovic, placed in the same half of the draw as Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz, faces a challenging opener against Matteo Berrettini.

World No. 3 Alcaraz is making his debut at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open as the top seed. The Spaniard, who holds a 3-1 record against his first-round opponent Marin Cilic, will be looking to make a strong start as he aims for his first title in Doha.

In the lower half of the draw, second seed Alex de Minaur begins his campaign against Roman Safiullin, eager to rebound from his recent loss to Alcaraz in the Rotterdam final. Former Doha champion Andrey Rublev, seeded fifth, could set up a quarter-final showdown with De Minaur if both advance.

Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev, the 2023 champion, is expected to arrive in Doha following his run at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille. Medvedev will start his tournament against fellow former champion Karen Khachanov in what promises to be an early blockbuster match. The winner could face sixth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals, with Tsitsipas set to open against Hamad Medjedovic. Felix Auger-Aliassime also looms as a potential second-round opponent for Tsitsipas.

With a competitive field featuring top-ranked players and past champions, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open promises thrilling matchups as the tournament gets underway on Monday.