TENN360 | THE FAN'S GUIDE TO THE TOUR
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QATAR EXXONMOBIL OPEN
Tour
ATP
Date of event
16-21 Feb 2027
Location
Doha
Surface
Hard outdoor
Singles Title
C Alcaraz
Doubles Title
H Patten/H Heliövaara
Level
500
TENN360 INSIGHT:
Doha is where the tennis season starts to feel a little bit glamorous.
The Qatar Open brings ATP 500 tennis to the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, with the world's best players trading European winter for sunshine, hard courts and a rather different kind of tennis trip.
It is serious tennis with a holiday atmosphere.
And frankly, in February, that is a pretty good combination.
I'd go for a lower-level, side-on seat.
You want to be close enough to appreciate the speed of the indoor? No — outdoor hard-court game, but far enough back to see the whole court properly.
The main court gives you the best atmosphere, particularly when one of the big names is playing.
But don't assume the most expensive ticket automatically gives you the best day.
I'd happily spend part of my visit on the smaller courts.
At an ATP 500, you can get surprisingly close to players who would be much harder to reach at a Grand Slam.
That's part of the charm.
Very good.
The dedicated tennis complex gives fans opportunities to see players away from the main matches, particularly around the practice courts.
I'd arrive early and make this part of the experience.
Watch someone practise.
Move to a smaller court.
Watch another match.
Then head into Centre Court.
The player access won't necessarily be as intimate as at a small ATP 250, but for an ATP 500 with this calibre of field, it is still a very good opportunity to see the players up close.
I'd go if you want high-level ATP tennis combined with a proper city break.
The jump from a 250 to an ATP 500 matters.
You're more likely to see a deep field and players treating the tournament as an important part of their season rather than simply another stop.
I'd also go if you like hard-court tennis and warm weather.
And if you've had enough of European winter?
Well.
Doha is offering sunshine.
You'd be foolish not to listen.
I'd arrive early.
Don't make the mistake of turning up just for the match printed on your ticket.
Go and watch the practice courts first, have a wander around the complex and see what else is happening.
The Khalifa complex is a proper tennis venue, with multiple courts and practice facilities, so there is plenty to discover away from Centre Court.
I'd also make the most of the evening sessions.
The heat is kinder, the lights come on and the atmosphere changes completely.
And when the tennis is finished, don't go straight back to the hotel.
Doha at night is half the fun.
Oh yes.
This is Doha.
February is one of the more comfortable times of year to be outside in Qatar, but you're still watching outdoor tennis in the Gulf.
If you're sitting through an afternoon session, come prepared.
Sunscreen.
Sunglasses.
Hat.
Water.
I'd particularly recommend an evening session if you have the choice.
The temperature drops, the sun disappears and the tennis under the lights feels considerably more comfortable.
Save the afternoon for exploring Doha.
Save the evening for tennis.
That's my plan.
Very good.
The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex is in the Al Sadd area of Doha and is well connected to the rest of the city.
I'd use a taxi or rideshare if you're staying centrally.
Doha's Metro is also useful for getting around, although I'd check the final connection to the venue before travelling rather than assuming the station is directly outside the gates.
The main advantage is that Doha is relatively easy to navigate.
You're not spending half the day travelling to and from the tennis.
Which leaves more time for the important things.
Watching tennis.
Eating.
And watching more tennis.
I'd skip it if you're looking for a tiny, intimate tennis club where the whole tournament feels like a local secret.
Doha is a major international event.
It's polished, modern and designed to accommodate a significant crowd.
I'd also skip it if you don't enjoy heat.
February is pleasant by Qatari standards, but the sun is still the sun.
And if you're travelling specifically to see one player, wait for the draw before booking everything.
Tennis players have a habit of ruining perfectly good travel plans.
Power in Numbers
32
Single Draws
7,000
Centre court seat
24
Courts