The ATP Cup launched this year has left the Qatar Tennis Federation in a spot of bother. With national pride at stake, the world’s top-ranked players are required to play this event rather than head to Doha for the ATP Tour 250 Qatar ExxonMobil Open as they build towards the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open.
As a result no player in the world top-10 features in the Qatar tournament beginning Monday, the highest-ranked being Stan Wawrinka who is World No 16. Former Qatar winners such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils and a host of other young players with great potential are all playing in in the ATP Cup Australia. The situation has led to the Qatar Tennis Federation thinking of having its tournament moved to a different time of the year.
“We are in discussions with the ATP about this,” Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation general secretary Tariq Zainal told reporters. It’s not possible next year as the 2021 calendar is already out, but we are looking at 2022. Maybe there’s a chance then,” Zainal added Qatar is also not averse to holding an ATP Tour 500 event, which will mean increased prize money and more players. ATP Tour 500 tournaments are the fourth highest tier of annual men’s tennis tournament after the four Grand Slam tournaments, ATP Finals, and the ATP Tour Masters 1000.
The series includes 13 tournaments, with 500 ranking points awarded for the events’ singles champions – which accounts for the name of the series. Tournaments have various draws of 32 and 48 for singles and 16 and 24 for doubles. It is mandatory for leading players to enter at least four 500 events, ensuring top-class presence. Zainal, however is upbeat about this week’s tournament, saying it won’t be short on excitement.
“We have Wawrinka and Rublev, the top two seeds. Besides we could have a new champion this year as Tsonga is the only former winner in action Doha this year, having won the title in 2012. This is also exciting.”
As always Qatar is looking to promote local and Arab players, giving them wildcards so that they get to test their level against regular players on the ATP Tour.
“We hope Arab tennis players like Malek Jaziri to advance at this event. We gave him a wildcard and also to Italy’s Marco Cecchinato.
Jaziri will also partner Qatar’s Rashid Nawaf in the doubles. Rashid is a promising player, we want him to get as much exposure as possible.”
Zainal also spoke of Qatar’s pride in winning the Tournament of the Year award among ATP 250 events.
“This is the third time we have won the award in five years. Obviously it’s a matter of great pride for all of Qatar.
“There’s no secret, this is an award for teamwork. After every tournament we focus on the negatives, not the positives. That way it’s easy to eliminate those negatives the next time we host the event.”
Monday’s Order of Play (only singles)
Centre Court (Action starts at 3.30pm)
Alexander Bublik (Kaz) vs Adrian Mannarino (FRA x7)
Followed by (not before 5.30pm)
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs Pablo Andujar (ESP)
Followed by
Gregoire Barrere (qualifier, FRA) vs Jeremy Chardy (FRA)
Followed by
Kyle Edmund (GBR) vs Filip Krajinovic (SRB x6)
Court 1 (Action starts 3.30pm)
Corentin Moutet (qualifier, FRA) vs Tennys Sandgren (USA
Followed by
Mikael Ymer (qualifier, SWE) vs Aljaz Bedene (SLO)
Followed by Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) vs Jordan Thomspon (AUS)
The courts are ready, as well as the Traditional Village (R).
