ATP Doha 2026: Qatar ExxonMobil Open Debuts as ATP 500 Event
DOHA, 16 February 2026 – The international tennis circuit turns its focus to the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex this week as the Qatar ExxonMobil Open officially begins its first edition as an upgraded ATP 500 tournament. While the draw is headlined by a high-stakes battle for the world rankings between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the tournament faces the notable absence of Novak Djokovic, who withdrew citing exhaustion.
Alcaraz and Sinner Headline Stacked Field
Fresh from his recent Grand Slam success in Melbourne, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz leads the field in Doha. The Spaniard, who expressed in pre-tournament press conferences that he still sees “weaknesses” in his game to improve, is scheduled to face Arthur Rinderknech in his opening match. His primary rival, Jannik Sinner, enters the tournament as a narrow betting favourite following a dominant start to the 2026 season. Sinner is slated to face Czech player Tomas Machac in the early rounds.
The tournament’s elevation to ATP 500 status has resulted in one of the strongest entry lists in the event’s 34-year history. However, the “Big Three” presence was diminished when Novak Djokovic, the recent Australian Open finalist, announced his withdrawal on 11 February. The Serbian legend cited “significant fatigue” as the reason for his absence from the Qatari capital.
French Contingent and Early Results
French interest remains high on the opening day of the main draw. Arthur Fils and Valentin Royer are among the prominent Frenchmen in action. Royer has already made headway in the Round of 32, securing a hard-fought victory on Centre Court. Meanwhile, other international seeds including Alexei Popyrin have progressed efficiently, with Popyrin defeating local wildcard Mubarak Shannan Zayid 6-0, 6-2.
Tournament Profile: Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Level | ATP 500 (Upgraded from ATP 250) |
| Surface | Outdoor Hard Court |
| Venue | Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex |
| Defending Champion | Andrey Rublev (2025) |
| Top Seeds | Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner |
| Dates | 16 February – 21 February 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Doha tournament an ATP 500 event this year?
As part of the ATP Tour’s strategic calendar changes announced in late 2024, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open was one of three tournaments selected to be upgraded from the 250-level to the 500-level starting in the 2025/2026 period, offering more ranking points and a higher prize pool.
Where can I watch the matches in France?
The tournament is being broadcast across various sports networks. In France, viewers typically follow the action via Eurosport or dedicated ATP streaming platforms, with matches starting daily at 14:30 local time (12:30 CET).
Who is the favourite to win the 2026 title?
Bookmakers currently list Jannik Sinner as the slight favourite at +110, closely followed by Carlos Alcaraz. The absence of Novak Djokovic has significantly opened the draw for the two young stars to potentially meet in the final on Saturday, 21 February.