ATP: Stan Wawrinka starts a double strike in Doha
250 points are to be awarded in Doha for the winner. The traditional tournament in Qatar offers a chance to everyone who is not in the ATP Cup.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Dec 23, 2019, 11:24 am
The ATP Tour 250 tournament in Doha will be overshadowed by the newly created ATP Cup from next year. Basically all top players have committed themselves to the latter, with the exception of Roger Federer , who withdrew his original commitment. Stan Wawrinka decided early against a start for Switzerland, but he will serve in Doha. And not only in singles: Wawrinka decided in double to start alongside Frances Tiafoe.
In addition to the three-time major champion from Switzerland, other prominent players have also been named. Born out of necessity: Andrey Rublev, number two in Doha, has not found a place in the strong Russian ATP Cup team. Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov will contest the singles there. A similar fate is shared by Milos Raonic, who had to give way to youngsters Denis Shapovalov and Félix Auger-Aliassime.
Bautista Agut this time at the ATP Cup
The French are also particularly strong in Doha: First there are the experienced players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet, but also Adrian Mannarino, Jeremy Chardy and double world champion Pierre-Hugues Herbert will play in the Qatar capital.
The defending champion will be absent: Roberto Bautista Agut had beaten Novak Djokovic last year and Tomas Berdych in the final. However, the Spaniard will try to join Rafael Nadal in winning the ATP Cup title after winning the Davis Cup final in Madrid. Djokovic also prefers to play in the Serbian selection this time.