As the tennis season heats up, the action on the ATP Tour shifts to Doha next week, where top stars will be in action. The Qatar Open has been elevated as an ATP 500 event from an ATP 250 event till last year. As a result, top players across the globe have confirmed their participation in this event. The tournament will also mark the comeback of Novak Djokovic, who withdrew midway through his semifinal match at the Australian Open due to an injury. Additionally, the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur are also set to take part as fans across the globe will be able to catch the live action.

The main draw action is set to begin on Monday, with the finals being played on Sunday, 22nd February. Several broadcasters have been selected to stream the matches live at the tournament, ensuring maximum coverage. Fans in the United States can catch the live action on Tennis Channel, whereas Sky UK will broadcast the tournament in the United Kingdom.

Further, in Canada, TSN will stream the tournament, and fans in India can view the live action on Discovery India. Carlos Alcaraz, who is the favorite to win the tournament, will be followed by his home fans on Telefonica and Movistar networks. Some other major broadcasters are Eurosport France in France and ESPN International China in China.

Defending champion Karen Khachanov is also in the fray and will open his campaign against countryman Daniil Medvedev, making it a cracker of a contest. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will be up against Marin Cilic in the first round and Djokovic will take on Matteo Berrettini first up. Additionally, Djokovic is also set to form a blockbuster doubles partnership in Doha.

Novak Djokovic will play doubles with Spanish star Fernando Verdasco

A few days back, it was reported that Djokovic is training with Fernando Verdasco in the absence of Andy Murray. The latter has known the conditions in Doha very well, having spent most of his time here lately. However, Verdasco later announced that he would play his final professional tournament with Djokovic in the doubles event in Doha.

Talking about this, he said, “After so many incredible years on the ATP Tour, the time has come for my final tournament at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. And what better way to finish than playing doubles with my friend Novak Djokovic, a true legend of our sport and one of the best athletes of all time… I’m going to enjoy every moment and give it my all one last time. Thank you everyone that has been there for me during all my career in the good and in the bad times. Let’s make this week unforgettable.”

The duo will take on Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov in the first round. Can Verdasco end his career on a high at the Qatar Open? Let us know your views in the comments below.