Doha: Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis Federation Tareq Zainal confirmed that all preparations have been completed for the launch of the men's main draw. He affirmed that the federation is fully committed to delivering the tournament to the highest international standards, despite its scheduling immediately after the conclusion of the women's championship. He underscored Qatar's extensive experience in staging major global sporting events, noting that the country's advanced organizational infrastructure continues to reflect its proven capability to host competitions of the highest caliber.
According to Qatar News Agency, Zainal highlighted the milestone achieved when the tournament was elevated from ATP 250 to ATP 500 status in 2025, describing it as a defining moment in the event history. In its first year at the higher tier, the Doha tournament was awarded Best ATP 500 Tournament of the Year, a distinction that further reinforced its global standing and organizational excellence.
He also unveiled a revised format for the 2026 edition to accommodate the holy month of Ramadan. The tournament will adopt a two-session system, similar to that used at Grand Slam events, featuring two matches during a daytime session and two during an evening session. The format is designed to align with post-iftar timings, offering fans greater flexibility and an enhanced viewing experience. Separate tickets will be issued for each session.
Regarding wildcards, Zainal said invitations were extended to Qatari national team player Mubarak Shannan, who will compete in the main draw, as well as Lebanon's Hadi Habib and Tunisia's Moez Echargui. He reiterated the federation's ongoing commitment to supporting Arab players and contributing to their progression in the international rankings.
Swiss legend Roger Federer remains the most successful player in the tournament's history, having claimed three titles in 2005, 2006, and 2011. A number of other stars have lifted the trophy twice, including Novak Djokovic, Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut, Britain's Andy Murray, Czech Petr Korda, and Sweden's Stefan Edberg. The tournament has also crowned one Arab champion, with Morocco's Younes El Aynaoui securing the title in 2002.
Other notable champions include Spain's Rafael Nadal, who triumphed in 2014, and Germany's Boris Becker, the inaugural winner in 1993. Since hosting its first professional event in 1993, Doha has consistently attracted the sport's most prominent names, firmly establishing the Qatar ExxonMobil Open as one of the premier stops on the ATP Tour calendar and a flagship sporting fixture in the region.