Novak Djokovic aims for his 100th ATP title at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha, facing Matteo Berrettini in the first round. He may encounter Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, who is the current top seed after Sinner’s withdrawal. Alcaraz is looking for his second title of the year after winning in Rotterdam. The tournament features a strong lineup of players, ensuring competitive matches ahead.
The Qatar ExxonMobil Open commenced today in Doha, featuring top players like Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Carlos Alcaraz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic is targeting his 100th ATP title and aims to match Roger Federer’s record by winning his third title in this prestigious tournament, now elevated to ATP500 status. He is set to face Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the first round and will also compete in doubles with Fernando Verdasco.
In the singles draw, Djokovic could meet top seed Carlos Alcaraz in a possible semi-final clash. Their last encounter was in the Australian Open quarter-finals, where Djokovic triumphed before retiring in the semi-finals due to injury. Despite missing a chance at a 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic is optimistic, stating that his muscle injury is healing well and he has received medical clearance to compete.
Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two, is returning to Doha after a victory in the Rotterdam final. He remembers his previous experience during the pandemic and looks forward to engaging with the crowd in a vibrant tournament atmosphere. Alcaraz expresses excitement about competing among elite tennis players and focuses on improving his game amidst a challenging draw.
Due to Jannik Sinner’s three-month ban and subsequent withdrawal, Alcaraz is now the top seed and will face former US Open champion Marin Cilic in his opening match. The tournament also features other prominent players like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, making the competition exceptionally intense. Other first-round matches include Christopher O’Connell against Hady Habib, and Jiri Lehecka versus Grigor Dimitrov.
The Qatar ExxonMobil Open is off to a competitive start, with notable player Djokovic seeking his 100th ATP title and possibly facing top contender Alcaraz. The tournament showcases a blend of upcoming talents and established stars, setting the stage for thrilling matches. Djokovic’s recovery from injury and Alcaraz’s recent success add layers of intrigue to the event’s dynamics, promising an engaging week of tennis in Doha.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
