New Zealand Davis Cup player Artem Sitak will have a match to remember tomorrow, as he steps on court against one of the greatest players of all time.
The world No66 Sitak will face Spanish legend Rafa Nadal in the second round of the doubles at the Qatar Open, afterSitak and partner Benjamin Becker won their first round match today over top seeds Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares.
It's not quite the same as singles, but it will still be a special - and unique experience - for the 28-year-old Sitak.
Like most of the top players in the world, Nadal rarely plays doubles as his schedule is just too packed and he can't afford to risk injury. In 2014 he took the court for a doubles match on just three occasions.
He played two rounds at the equivalent Doha event last year - the opening tournaments of the season are where the big guns may enter doubles to gain match practice - and also played a round at the Beijing Open with compatriot Pablo Andujar, losing in three sets against Tomas Berdych and reigning Heineken Open champion John Isner.
In Doha Nadal has teamed up with regular Auckland visitor Juan Monaco of Argentina. Last year Sitak had a career best year on the Doubles circuit, reaching his highest ranking (64) and winning his first ATP level event in Stuttgart.
