Nadal to headline Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2024

The Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) has confirmed that 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal will headline this year's Qatar ExxonMobil Open, to be held from February 19 to 24 at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, the home of tennis, in Doha.

The Spanish superstar, who will be making a return to the courts after opting out of this year's Australian Open, won the tournament in 2014, where he defeated France’s Gaël Monfils to lift his maiden title at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. The 14-time French Open champion was also a runner-up at the 2016 tournament.

Aside from the former World No. 1 Nadal, the tournament's defending champion and World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev, World No. 5 Andrey Rublev, and two-time champion and three Grand Slam winner Andy Murray are some of the players to look out for at the recently upgraded ATP 500 tournament, which has grown to become one of the signature events on the ATP Tour calendar.

Tariq Zainal, QTF Secretary-General, said, "We are thrilled to announce the return of the esteemed Rafael Nadal and other stars to Doha for this year's tournament. It is truly a privilege to have a player of Nadal's exceptional talent participate in such a prestigious event. Doha has always been synonymous with outstanding tennis, and it comes as no surprise that the tournament has consistently drawn renowned players since its inception in 1993.

With each passing year, this event only grows in grandeur, and we eagerly anticipate the arrival of all the players and fans to partake in this remarkable tennis spectacle in February,” he added.

The ATP 500 tournament, with a total prize money of $1,395,875, will feature 28 players in the singles, while 16 pairs will participate in the doubles event.

Karim Alami, Qatar ExxonMobil Open Tournament Director, said, "I am delighted to inform you that Rafael Nadal has decided to make a comeback to the courts at our tournament, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2024. As the Tournament Director, it brings me great joy to announce this exciting news."

"We take great pride in welcoming Nadal back to Doha, a tournament that he has graced with his presence and emerged victorious in the past. Moreover, his immense popularity in this city ensures a devoted fan base that eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness his extraordinary skills once more.

"I am confident that he will deliver numerous remarkable experiences to both the guests and spectators of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, as well as to the entire tennis community. Lastly, I extend my gratitude to our title sponsor, ExxonMobil, as well as all our exclusive sponsors, the Qatar Tennis Federation, and all relevant government entities for their unwavering support during these challenging times and for ensuring the continuation of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open tradition," Alami added.

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open, one of two ATP Tour events held in the Middle East, has been selected by players as the ATP 250 Tournament of the Year on five occasions (2015, ’17, ’19, '21-'22).