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Qatar Open
Sports

Qatar Open

Doha’s annual showcase of world-class men’s tennis on outdoor hardcourts

Photo: Preacher lad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Qatar Open is a professional men’s tennis tournament held every January in Doha, Qatar. Played on outdoor hardcourts at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, it attracts top international players and marks the start of the ATP season.

Drawn for Mela from this festival's own symbols.
  • Held annually in January in Doha, Qatar
  • Played on outdoor hardcourts at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
  • Upgraded to ATP 500 status in 2025
  • Ceremonial ATP season opener since 2009
  • Attracts top international men’s tennis players

What it is

The Qatar Open is a major event on the men’s professional tennis calendar, drawing leading players from around the world to Doha each January. Hosted at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, the tournament is played on outdoor hardcourts and has grown in prestige since its founding in 1993. In 2025, it was elevated to ATP 500 status, making it one of the more significant stops on the ATP Tour. For tennis fans and locals alike, the tournament is a chance to witness high-level competition and the excitement of a new tennis season in a vibrant Middle Eastern setting.

Where it comes from

The Qatar Open began in 1993, establishing itself as the country’s premier international tennis event. Over the years, it has attracted many of the sport’s biggest names and has become known for its strong player field and well-organized matches. Since 2009, the tournament has also been the ceremonial opener for the ATP World Tour season, with memorable exhibition matches in unique Doha locations, such as on a boat in Doha Bay or a magic carpet in Souq Waqif. Its steady growth culminated in a promotion to ATP 500 status in 2025.

How it is celebrated

During the Qatar Open, the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex becomes the center of tennis activity in Doha. The tournament features singles and doubles draws, with matches played on hardcourts under open skies. Spectators can expect a lively atmosphere, with fans cheering for both local favorites and international stars. Past editions have included special exhibition matches to launch the season, sometimes staged in iconic Doha locations. The event offers opportunities to watch top-level tennis up close and enjoy the festive spirit that accompanies the start of the ATP season.

Joining in

Visitors to the Qatar Open can attend matches at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha. The venue is well-equipped and accessible, offering a comfortable setting to watch world-class tennis. Expect a cosmopolitan crowd and the chance to see some of the sport’s biggest names compete. Tickets are typically available for all rounds, and the tournament’s January timing makes it an appealing winter destination for tennis fans.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article ATP Qatar Open, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

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This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

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