Money hardly brings an incentive for players truly passionate about the sport. But an extra slice from the mouth-watering prize pool being offered in Doha won’t hurt anyone. The Qatar Open – slated to be held from 17-22 February – will present a significant financial reward for competitors, with features including Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The tournament has presented a huge bump in their total prize money, and the numbers will likely shock you.

The event was recently revamped to an ATP 500 status from 250. Seeing as this will be its first upgraded edition, authorities in Doha have also added a few zeros to their prize money. Known for offering the most lucrative financial incentives to players, as evidenced by Jannik Sinner’s cool $6M paycheque following his Six Kings Slam exhibition win in Riyadh, the Qatar Open has upped its prize pool to a handsome $3,035,960, a significant increase of 97.73% vs last year.

While players will contest for their share of the prize pool, the champion of the ATP 500 event in Doha will mint $516,165 and 500 ranking points. That’s a 124.25% boost in prize money compared to what defending champion Karen Khachanov collected when he lifted the title merely 12 months ago. Moreover, the tournament’s 2025 iteration has offered a total financial commitment of a massive $3,035,960. The rewards given to players willing to dig deep in the draw of Doha aren’t surprising either.

Here’s a detailed list of the prize money breakdown for the singles and the doubles category, respectively:

Singles:

• Winner – $516,165/500 points
• Runner-up – $277,715/330 points
• Semifinalist – $148,005/200 points
• Quarterfinalist – $75,615/100 points
• Second Round: $40,365/50 points
• Opening Round: $21,525/0 points

Doubles: (per team)

• Winner: $169,540/500 points
• Finalist: $90,410/300 points
• Semi-finalist: $45,750/180 points
• Quarter-finalist: $22,880/90 points
• First Round: $11,840/0 points

The Doha event will feature a star-studded line-up of top-10 players, including the likes of Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was also scheduled to perform in the ATP 500 tournament, however, fans will have to make do without the Italian star. He has received a three-month doping ban from the professional circuit after a settlement with WADA closed his long-drawn doping chapter just days ago.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding Djokovic’s appearance in Doha due to concerns about his fitness is no longer an issue.

Novak Djokovic confirms participation in Qatar Open after quick recovery from injury

Serbian superstar suffered a dreadful fate in his season-opening act at the Australian Open. He was forced to withdraw against finalist Alexander Zverev in the semifinal after suffering from a leg injury, thus bringing an end to his historic chase for a 25th Slam crown. While some, including American legend John McEnroe, accused the ‘Serbinator’ of faking the injury – “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this routine. Don’t be fooled” – Nole put all speculations to rest after posting proof of his injury with the help of an MRI scan on X for ‘all the experts out there’.

On Monday, February 10, Djokovic told the Montenegrin newspaper, Vijesti, that his medical team had given him the green signal to hit the court. “There’s no longer any muscle tear. The injury is almost 100 percent healed and I’m ready to go for more victories.”

Participating in Doha means that the Serb will also bid to join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer in the exclusive players club boasting a jaw-dropping 100 ATP titles. “I’ve been chasing it (100th ATP title) for a while, since last October. But we’ll see, it’ll come when it comes.”

The former World No. 1 is scheduled to take to the court on Monday, February 17, for his Round of 32 clash against Italian Matteo Berrettini in Doha.