Rafael Nadal crashes out of Qatar Open but no trouble for Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal's slow start to the season continued as he was knocked out by qualifier Michael Berrer in the first round of the Qatar Open.

Nadal failed to follow up Novak Djokovic's smooth victory over fellow Serb Dusan Lajovic as he crumbled to the German after cruising through the opening set 6-1.

Berrer battled back strongly and overcame a couple of key break points in the final set before progressing 1-6 6-3 6-4.

Djokovic withdrew from last week’s Abu Dhabi exhibition final due to flu, handing the title to Murray, but he showed no signs of illness as he wrapped up his 6-2 6-1 first round win over Lajovic in just 59 minutes.

The 27-year-old top seed, who is warming up for this month’s Australian Open, put 72 percent of his first serves in play and was successful on five of six break-point opportunities.

This is Djokovic’s maiden appearance at the Doha tournament as he previously has not played a sanctioned tournament in the first week of the year.

"I didn't know during the last couple of days whether I would be able to play," Djokovic said. "So in the circumstances it was a very good start." ...SkySports