Doha, February 08 (QNA) - The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex stands as one of Qatar's most prominent sporting venues, reflecting the country's long-standing investment in world-class sports infrastructure and its growing role on the global sporting stage.
Opened in 1992 and extensively renovated in 2008, the complex is regarded as one of the leading tennis and squash facilities in the Middle East. It features 24 hard courts, with a main stadium that can accommodate more than 7,000 spectators, making it a key destination for hosting major international competitions in tennis, squash and padel.
The complex serves as the permanent home of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open for men, an ATP 500 tournament, and the Qatar TotalEnergies Open for women, a WTA 1000 event. Both tournaments rank among the most prestigious stops on the professional tennis calendar.
The first edition of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open was held at the venue in 1993, marking the country's inaugural professional tennis tournament. Germany's Boris Becker won the maiden title, and the event later gained recognition as one of the top tournaments in its category for several years, according to the Association of Tennis Professionals and leading players.
Over the years, the men's tournament has attracted many of the sport's greatest players, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, all multiple Grand Slam champions and former world number ones.
In parallel with the growth of women's sport in Qatar, the Qatar Tennis Federation launched the region's first women's professional tennis tournament in 2001. The inaugural title was won by Switzerland's Martina Hingis, and subsequent editions have featured leading players such as Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova, Justine Henin and Victoria Azarenka.
The complex has also hosted appearances by American tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams, with Serena finishing runner-up at the 2013 edition after losing the final to Azarenka.
Beyond tennis, the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex regularly hosts world padel championships, as well as Asian and Gulf tournaments in tennis, squash and padel, alongside a full calendar of domestic competitions organized by the Qatar Tennis Federation.
During major events, the venue offers extensive facilities including hospitality areas, fan zones, medical and banking services, restaurants, cafes and dedicated exhibition spaces, aimed at enhancing the spectator experience.
The complex also plays an active role in community engagement, participating in Qatar's annual National Sports Day by opening its courts to the public and providing professional guidance to encourage healthy and safe participation in physical activity. (QNA)