Top Tennis Stars Head Back to Doha
The Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016 showcases tennis’ top players for the 24th consecutive year.
Leading the field is world No. 1 from Serbia, Novak Djokovic. In February, Djokovic became the first man in the Open Era (since 1968) to win five Australian Open titles. Won eleven titles in 2015-(Barclays ATP World Tour Finals , ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris , ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Shanghai, Beijing, US Open, Wimbledon, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome , ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Monte Carlo, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells, Australian Open).
Djokovic said of Qatar Exxonmobil in a pre-event statement: ““Here we come to a new season! I’m so happy to kick it off in Qatar again where the event is so well organized and I wad well treated last year. I’m so excited to comeback and perform at my best in this opening season tournament ,stay tuned!”
The Matador Rafael Nadal, the world No. 5, Opens the season in Doha, where, as defending champion, he lost to Berrer in the first round. Captured his fourth ATP World Tour title in Doha, with Monaco, and ninth team title overall. In March he endured a two-hour rain delay to beat good friend Monaco for Buenos Aires title and was his 65th title overall. In May, he contested his seventh ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid final. Won three titles in 2015-Hamburg, Stuttgart and Buenos Aires. Rafa said in a pre-event statement: “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.”
World No. 6, Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic, opened the season by reaching the Doha final, he reached ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rome quarter-finals for fifth time. He touched ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati quarter-finals (or better) for fourth time, he also reached US Open fourth round (or better) for fourth straight year and won two titles in 2015 –Stockholm and Shenzhen.
Tomas who Arrived yesterday in Doha said: “ I’m going to play again in Qatar Exxonobil Open 2016. I’m looking forward to an exciting year full of high quality tennis and hope see you all there!”
Defending champion and World No. 7 David Ferrer. The Spanish opened the season by capturing his 22nd ATP World Tour title at Doha. In February, contested his 27th tour-level clay-court final and his second ATP World Tour title match of 2015 at Rio de Janeiro. It was the first time on the ATP World Tour since 24 March 1975 that there were three 30-over singles winners on the same day.
In October, he won 5th ATP World Tour singles title of 2015 and 26th of career and won five titles in 2015 -Vienna, Kuala Lumpur, Acapulco, Rio de Janeiro, and Doha.
“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!” Ferrer said.