Qatar Open begins in Doha today

The Qatar Open, begins today. However, with the late withdrawal of Novak Djokovic, the tournament is shown of its usual A-list headline acts. Djokovic, the champion in Doha for the past two years, pulled out on Saturday because of continuing problems with a niggling elbow injury. His absence has also placed doubts over his



participation in January's Australian Open. 

This year, though, the field in Qatar is less eye-catching but may provide an opportunity for the new stars of tennis to push through. With Djokovic gone, the number one seeding has been handed to world number five, Dominic Thiem.