Qatar Open Tennis Tournament Set for 20th Anniversary in 2012

Doha, December 25 (QNA) - There is much anticipation and interest among fans for the 2012 Qatar ExxonMobil Open Tennis tournament starting here January 2 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex as it will be the 20th anniversary of the ATP Tour tournament featuring in Doha. Currently the Qatar Tennis Federation officials are giving the finishing touches to the preparations to host the week-long men's singles international tennis tournament, with prize money of US$1, 024, 00 and total financial commitment of US $110,250 has a draw card for 32 contestants and 16 in the doubles event. The January 2-7, 2012 event brings the game's greatest names to the city Spain's Rafael Nadal, defending champion Roger Federer from Switzerland, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils and 2010 champion Nikolay Davydenko, who has a 21-7 event record, join a host of international athletes in the 32-player field. Last year, Federer defeated 2010 defending champion Russian Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4 in the final to reclaim the Qatar ExxonMobil Open trophy. That sweet victory gave Federer his third title in Doha following back-to-back final victories in 2005 and 2006 and made the Swiss ace the first three-time winner in tournament history since 1993. As some of the tennis world's top names get ready for the challenge officials at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex are preparing the venue for a host the players, referees, ball boys and girls, sponsors and fans. Online ticket sales which opened December 2 have been overwhelming. Local fans can purchase tickets in person at Villaggio, City Center, Landmark, Lagoona, and the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. Tournament Director Karim Alami said, "We are thrilled with the response to initial sales online and are looking forward to the start of sales at the malls and at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex the support the fans give the players and the event each year truly shows how important the Qatar ExxonMobil Open has been for the past 20 years and it only continues to grow." Center Court tickets grant access to the Center Court, the Outside Match Courts and the complex. Ground passes provide access to the Outside Match Courts and the Complex only. Lower Sections and Middle B have reserved numbered seating. Middle A and C and Upper A, B and C stands do not have numbered seating and seating allocation is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets can still be purchased online by going to www.qatartennis.org or in person at the malls and Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. (QNA)