Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026: Can Anyone Stop Sinner or Alcaraz in Doha?

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15 Feb 2026
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  • ATP Doha 2026 features top tennis players including Alcaraz and Sinner
  • Held at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex with medium-fast courts
  • Significant prize money and ranking points boost for early-season performance
Jannik Sinner (R) & Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz headline the ATP Doha 2026 draw as the tour’s dominant duo resume their rivalry in the Middle East. (credit: Getty)

The 2026 Qatar ExxonMobil Open arrives as one of the most compelling early season stops on the ATP calendar, now firmly established as an ATP 500 event in Doha. With world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and world No. 2 Jannik Sinner returning to action for the first time since the Australian Open, the spotlight shifts squarely to the Middle East Swing. 

Played on quick outdoor hard courts at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, this year’s edition carries major ranking implications and sets the tone ahead of the Sunshine Double. With the tour’s two dominant forces headlining the draw, Doha feels less like a routine February event and more like the next chapter in a growing rivalry.

ATP Doha 2026 Schedule & Key Dates

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open runs across six days at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, beginning with qualifying rounds before building toward a Saturday night final.

RoundDatesMatch Timings (Local Qatar)
QualifyingFeb 14-15From 3:00 PM
Round 1Feb 16-17From 3:00 PM
Round 2Feb 17From 3:00 PM
QuarterfinalsFeb 183:00 PM / 7:00 PM
SemifinalsFeb 19Doubles 3:00 PM / Singles 7:00 PM
FinalFeb 21Singles 9:00 PM

Evening sessions traditionally feature the marquee singles matches, particularly from the quarterfinal stage onward, while earlier rounds host multiple matches during the late afternoon window.

ATP Doha 2026: Ranking Points & Prize Money

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open, now an ATP 500 tournament, carries a total prize pool of $2,833,335, with standard ATP 500 points distribution awarded across singles and doubles. A title run in Doha provides a significant early season rankings boost ahead of the next major hard court stops.

RoundPointsPrize Money (USD)
Winner500529,945
Finalist330285,095
Semifinal200151,935
Quarterfinal10077,625
Round of 165041,435
Round of 32022,095

Venue & Playing Conditions

Doha traditionally delivers medium-fast outdoor hard courts that reward aggressive baseline tennis and powerful serving. Warm desert temperatures and dry air help the ball move quickly through the court during daytime sessions, while evening humidity can marginally slow conditions.

FactorDetails
VenueKhalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
SurfaceOutdoor Hard
Court SpeedMedium-fast
BounceMedium to High
Day Temperature26–29°C
Night Temperature16–19°C
Humidity45–60% daytime, higher at night
WindLight to moderate (10–25 km/h)
Rain ProbabilityVery low
Night ImpactSlightly slower, marginally longer rallies

Overall, the combination of quick courts and warm, dry weather gives a natural edge to big servers and first-strike players, particularly during afternoon matches.

Top Seeds

The Doha draw is led by the world’s top two players, immediately elevating the tournament’s competitive level. With proven hard-court performers and a defending champion in the mix, the top of the bracket is stacked with genuine title contenders.

SeedPlayerCountryCurrent Rank
1Carlos AlcarazSpain1
2Jannik SinnerItaly2
3Alexander BublikKazakhstan10
4Daniil MedvedevRussia11
5Andrey RublevRussia15
6Jakub MenšíkCzech Republic16
7Karen KhachanovRussia18
8Jiří LehečkaCzech Republic21

Players to Watch

Four leading contenders dominate the conversation in Doha, with the spotlight firmly on the tour’s two biggest forces.

Carlos Alcaraz ★★★★★ 
Alcaraz arrives in Doha riding a perfect start to 2026, having won all of his matches so far and captured the Australian Open title. The world No. 1 looks sharp, confident and physically superior, making him one of the two clear favourites this week despite limited past success at this venue. 

Jannik Sinner ★★★★★ 
Sinner enters with added motivation after an uneven start to the season and watching Alcaraz take the Australian Open crown. Still widely regarded as the best hard-court player over the past few years, the Italian’s baseline precision and relentless tempo make him arguably the slight favourite in Doha. 

Andrey Rublev ★★★☆☆ 
The defending champion has historically excelled in the Middle East, with titles and deep runs across Doha and Dubai. While this year’s field is stronger at the very top, Rublev’s aggressive style and comfort in these conditions keep him firmly in the mix for another deep run. 

Jakub Menšík ★★★☆☆ 
Menšík impressed on debut here in 2024 by reaching the final and his big serve fits Doha’s medium-fast courts perfectly. Provided he is fully fit after his recent Australian Open withdrawal, the Czech teenager has the weapons to trouble higher seeds.

How to Watch ATP Doha 2026 Live (Free)

No cable? No problem. All you need is a betting account and a screen. ATP Doha is streamed live in HD by top bookmakers — no extra subscription needed.

🎬 Quick Setup in 30 Seconds: 
1️⃣ Sign up at [Stake] or [bet365]
2️⃣ Deposit $1 or equivalent (no need to place a bet right away) 
3️⃣ Go to Live Tennis → ATP Doha → Hit “Watch Live” 
That’s it. You’re watching Main Court live from anywhere. 

Verdict

The title picture in Doha revolves almost entirely around Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, with very little separating them. 

Sinner’s hunger after his early season disappointment and his recent dominance on hard courts give him a marginal edge as the No. 1 pick for the title, while Alcaraz’s blistering form and unbeaten start to 2026 make him an extremely close second. It feels like a two man race, with Sinner holding only the slightest advantage.

Best Bet1: Jannik Sinner Tournament Winner @-138.89 at Stake.com - 4 Units
Best Bet2: Carlos Alcaraz Tournament Winner @-105.26 at Stake.com - 3 Units
Jannik Sinner
Tournament Winner
@-138.89 - 4 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com
Carlos Alcaraz
Tournament Winner
@-105.26 - 3 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

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