There’s little doubting Hugo Calderano’s pedigree, he is after all the first player from the South American continent to secure a top 10 spot in the world rankings and only the third from the continent to secure a top eight finish at the Men’s World Cup.

However, Calderano’s association with the Qatar Open paints somewhat of a confusing picture!

He succumbed to an opening round exit in 2016, losing out to Italy’s Alessandro Baciocchi in a shock introduction to the tournament.

Not present in 2017 but in 2018 Calderano experienced completely opposite emotions to his previous outing in Doha, defying expectations with victory over Timo Boll and Lin Gaoyuan on his way to a sensational runner-up finish!

Incredible display

Following his incredible display at the 2018 Qatar Open surely another successful outing awaited one year later? The answer was no! Meeting Cédric Nuytinck at the first hurdle, Calderano was best 4-2 by the Belgian qualifier.

Truly Calderano’s previous with the Qatar Open leaves more questions than answers so what lies ahead for the Brazilian superstar at this year’s event?

Positioned at no.6 in the men’s singles seeding list, Calderano’s 2020 Qatar Open campaign commences on Thursday 5th March when the main draw commences but chances are he’ll have to be at his best right from the word go!

Difficult task

Competing alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, a second round exit at the hands of Sweden’s Kristian Karlsson two weeks ago in Hungary, Calderano is undoubtedly set for a tremendously difficult outing in his search for glory. However, for a player who is used to surpassing expectations, the 23-year-old never backs down from a challenge and will give it his best shot in Doha.

What fate awaits Hugo Calderano in Doha? Another round one exit? Another run all the way to the final perhaps? Or maybe something new altogether!