The Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2014 draw is out, and World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is set to start the first official tournament of 2014 with a first round match against Lukas Rosol. Also drawn in Rafa’s quarter is Latvian Ernests Gulbis. In Rafa’s half are Tomas Berdych, Ivo Karlovic, Ivan Dodig and Philipp Kohlschreiber. Rafa could face a potential quarterfinal with Gulbis and a semifinal with Berdych or Kohlschreiber. The other half has Fernando Verdasco and Andy Murray in one quarter and Richard Gasquet and David Ferrer in another. Rafa’s potential final opponent could be Murray, Gasquet, or Ferrer .
A little surprise is Rafa entering the doubles draw with his 45-year-old coach Francisco Roig. As to the reason behind the move, we can only speculate and will have to wait to hear from Rafa. Their first round will be played against the team of Lukas Rosol/Pablo Andujar. Rafa and Roig played at the 2009 Coupe Rogers in Montreal (d. Djokovic-Vemic in R1).
Richard Gasquet is the current defending champion. Rafa will make an attempt for his first Doha title in his sixth appearance at the tournament. Let’s try to start the year with a win! Vamos Rafa!
Hi Rafa: It’s great that you’re playing doubles with Francisco Roig. I like him as assistant coach to you. Enjoy yourself on court. Remember, you can do whatever you set out to do. Always believe in yourself. Stay healthy in 2014 and believe in yourself. Again – A HAPPY and JOYOUS 2014 to you. God Bless you and your family. Love, Marylynn.
Nadal
¡Vas con todos por el 2014! Rafa, mis mejores deseos. Saludos
VAMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS RAFA ….HAVE A GREAT 2014 YEAR ,LET START WITH A BANG.BEST WISHES AND LOVE IRENE
Good Luck,you will win!!!!!!!!!!
VAMOS RAFA, ANIMO!!! SIEMPRE ADELANTE, TE DESEO UN 2014 LLENO DE FELICIDADES!!!
Good luck Rafa! Hope it gets televised in South Africa. Have an awesome 2014 and LOTS OF TROPHIES!!!!! 😉
Vamoooos Rafa
good luck man. hope it will be the first Doha tittle
VAMOS RAFA! WISHING YOU A HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL 2014!
Oh I can’t wait to see the double with Rafa and his coach Roig. It will be fantastic and I wish them all the best. Cool combination!