Nole is making his return to the tour subsequent week in Doha, after his retirement within the semi-final of the Australian Open.
Two-time Qatar ExxonMobil Open champion, Novak Djokovic, is not any.3 seed, and can open his marketing campaign in opposition to Matteo Berrettini (ITA, ATP #34). It will likely be their fifth profession assembly (4-0 H2H).
This yr’s event, which can happen from February 17 to 22 on the Khalifa Worldwide Tennis Advanced, marks its debut as an ATP 500 occasion, promising a rare week of world-class competitors.
Novak’s doable rivals within the later phases of the event are:
2nd spherical: Jan-Lennard Struff (GER), Tallon Griekspoor (NED)Quarter-finals: Jack Draper (GBR), Alexei Popyrin (AUS)Semi-finals: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP, 1), Grigor Dimitrov (BUL, 7)Finals: Alex De Minaur (AUS, 2), Daniil Medvedev (RUS, 4), Andrey Rublev (RUS, 5), Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE, 6)
Djokovic gained back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017, beating Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray within the finals.
The 37-year-old Serbian star is on the point of one other profession milestone as he goals to safe his one hundredth skilled singles title in Doha.
Event Director Karim Alami shared his enthusiasm for Novak’s return: “It’s an honour to welcome Novak Djokovic again to Doha for the 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. His return, particularly within the first yr of the event as an ATP 500 occasion, provides immense worth. Novak is an exceptional athlete who all the time captivates along with his ability and competitiveness. His sturdy reference to Doha, having gained right here twice, makes his participation all of the extra thrilling for followers. We will’t wait to see him carry his distinctive recreation to the Khalifa Worldwide Tennis Advanced.”
Novak will associate Fernando Verdasco within the doubles competitors within the Spaniard’s closing ATP Tour occasion.
“After so many unbelievable years on the ATP Tour, the time has come for my closing event on the Qatar ExxonMobil Open,” Verdasco wrote. “And what higher technique to end than taking part in doubles with my good friend Novak Djokovic, a real legend of our sport and among the best athletes of all time… I’m going to take pleasure in each second and provides it my all one final time. Thanks everybody that has been there for me throughout all my profession within the good and within the unhealthy occasions. Let’s make this week unforgettable.”
Photograph: QTF/Paul Zimmer
