Big 3 aiming for net gains

Nadal, Djokovic and Federer lead charge into what shapes up as a pivotal season

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic lead the field at this week's Qatar Open while, 12,000 km away in Brisbane, Roger Federer starts his 18th year on the tour as tennis heads for another gripping season.

The details of Nadal's plan to preserve his hopes of one day becoming the most successful player of all time may become clearer when he starts his title defence at Qatar.