The ATP Qatar Open, recently upgraded to an ATP 500 event, is offering up various fun experiences for the tennis players. Whether it’s a gala dinner or playing tennis on a camel! Yes, you read it right! World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz is hitting it out on a camel along with Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov in the sun. And the way they pulled it off?

To celebrate, the tournament gave players a once-in-a-lifetime experience—trading their usual hard courts for the Arabian desert and playing tennis while sitting on camels. Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djoković, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Grigor Dimitrov all joined in on the fun, swapping forehands in the sand with the stunning Arabian Peninsula as their backdrop. Adding to the spectacle, Alcaraz and Djokovic looked regal in traditional Middle Eastern attire, fully embracing the culture. 

The Qatar Open is already off to an entertaining start, but the biggest storyline might be yet to come. Alcaraz and Djokovic have been drawn in the same half, meaning fans could get another thrilling chapter in their growing rivalry. If both players advance, they’ll meet in the semifinals—a matchup that could be as or if not more thrilling than the camel ride.!

The Spaniard will be out for blood after his defeat at the Australian Open quarterfinal. Novak Djokovic defeated the 21-year-old in four sets and later was forced to withdraw from his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev due to a muscle tear. This will be his first tournament after the withdrawal as he continues on his quest to achieve his 100th ATP singles title. 

Women’s side of tennis: Ahead of her first match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday, February 18th, WTA fans got a glimpse of World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in action. The WTA posted a training video, showing her preparations for the match against either Veronika Kudermetova.

While this is Alcaraz’s first time competing at the Qatar Open, the tournament holds a special significance for him. Why?

Carlos Alcaraz reveals a special connection to Qatar Open

Four years ago, during the pandemic, Doha hosted the qualifying rounds for the 2021 Australian Open. A then-17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, ranked No. 141, battled through the qualifiers to secure a spot in his first-ever Grand Slam main draw. He won all three matches, dropping just one set in the process. That moment marked the beginning of his rise. Now, in 2025, the Spaniard is back in Doha—not as an underdog, but as the World No. 3 and the tournament’s top seed. The contrast isn’t lost on him.

“I played the qualies of Australian Open in 2021 because of the pandemic,” Alcaraz told ATP Media. “For me, it’s totally different. I couldn’t go out from the hotel in that moment. There was no crowd, no people here, so it’s totally different. But four years on, I think I’m coming here feeling different, obviously, but I have great memories from here, from this last time.”

The World No.3 further continued, “I think Doha has had always really good tennis players at this tournament. Great names, so I’m excited about playing my first time here in Doha, and let’s see. I’m still focusing on the things that I have to improve, just focus on myself, and hopefully show some great tennis here.”

The 4-time Grand Slam champion clinched his first 2025 title at the ATP Rotterdam Open, marking his first indoor hardcourt victory. Can he continue his winning streak in Doha? Carlos Alcaraz has to get through his opening match first. The 21-year-old will face Marin Cilic in the first round on February 17.

From camel rides to a potential Alcaraz-Djokovic clash, the Qatar Open is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments on the calendar. Who will emerge the victor in this tournament?