Players taking part in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, pose for a picture with officials of Qatar Tennis Federation after the draw ceremony.
World No.1 Andy Murray of Great Britain will take on Jérémy Chardy of France while defending champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia face Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the first round matches of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open which begins on Monday at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex in Doha.
The defending champion and French Open winner heads a strong field in Doha which also includes Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France, all who will kick off their season in Qatar.
The pressure is on Murray to prove he is deserving of the top ranking throughout all of the early 2017 tournaments.
Murray, who won ITF singles player of the year award, won back to back titles at the tournament in 2008 and 2009 and the Briton will most likely face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the semi-final.
In the first round hurdle, Murray will have to overome the challenge of the Frenchman ranked 69 on the ATP computer.
The Frenchman, seeded sixth, is placed in the lower half of the draw and opens his campaign against Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia in the first round and will have to overcome Berdych and Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany to reach the semi-final
A Murray vs Djokovic final is on the cards provided the Serbian tennis star wins his matches.
Djokovic will meet world No. 69 Struff in the first round and is likely to face seeded players Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, David Goffin of Belgum and Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus on his way.
The Serbian star, arrived in Doha yesterday.
Upon his arrival in Doha, Novak said: "I'm very excited to be here in Doha to participate in the 2016 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. I'm also very excited to begin my new season in such a special event."
Qatar ExxonMobil Open is the first tournament of the season and it gives players the opportunity to get them prepared for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, held two weeks later in Melbourne, Australia.
“We are happy to welcome the world once again to Doha. Qatar is the hub of global sport and we are passionate about tennis. I’ve no doubt that the 2017 Qatar Exxon Mobil Open will surpass the previous editions in all ramifications,” Tournament Director; Karim Alami said.
“Over the years, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open has developed to be one of the most sorts after tennis tournament in the region. We are very happy to welcome the world once again to Doha for the silver anniversary edition of this prestigious tournament. Once again, lovers of tennis will have the opportunity of watching their stars, including the recently crowned world No.1 Andy Murray, play live and direct in Doha. This year’s event promises to be greater than the previous and the fans will definitely have a swell time,” he added.
Tareq Zainal, Secretary General at Qatar Tennis Federation and the event’s General Coordinator said: “It is a great privilege to welcome our fans once again to Doha in the 25th anniversary of the world-class event, Qatar ExxonMobil Open is a symbol of the strategic and enduring partnership between the Energy Company ExxonMobil and QTF aimed at taking the sport to higher heights and bringing the community of Qatar the finest tennis and entertainment.”
There will be 32 players in the main draw in the Singles category while the Doubles will consist of 16 teams.
Held consistently since 1993, the 2017 Qatar ExxonMobil Open, celebrates 25 years of top class tennis tournament, one that has become a pacesetter on the ATP World Tour’s 250 series and the highest prize-money event of the Tour.
