Novak Djokovic and Fernando Verdasco misplaced to the second-seeded pair within the Doha doubles quarterfinal and that formally ended the Spaniard’s profession.
After destroying Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov 6-1 6-1 for his or her first win as a doubles duo, the Serb and the Spaniard competed properly towards Haari Heliovaara and Henry Patten however finally suffered a 5-7 4-6 defeat to the reigning Wimbledon champions.
Within the fifth and seventh video games, Djokovic and Verdasco have been near getting damaged however managed to win their service video games through a deciding level.
However within the eleventh recreation, they misplaced their function the No. 2 seeds opened a 6-5 lead earlier than serving out for the primary set within the following recreation.
Down by a set, the Serbian/Spanish pair additionally acquired damaged within the fifth recreation of the second set.
With Heliovaara and Patten 5-3 up, Djokovic and Verdasco saved two match factors on their serve however they didn’t get the break again within the following recreation because the 2024 Wimbledon champions accomplished a two-set win.
Novak Djokovic and Fernando Verdasco© X screenshot
Verdasco’s profession ends
The 2009 Australian Open semifinalist, who turned professional in 2001, introduced over the weekend that he determined to retire by enjoying doubles in Doha with the file 24-time Grand Slam champion.
“After so many incredible years on the ATP Tour, the time has come for my final tournament, and what better way to finish than playing doubles with my friend Novak Djokovic, a true legend of our sport and one of the best athletes of all time,” the 41-year-old introduced on Instagram.
When Verdasco was noticed on the observe court docket with the Serb, rumors began to swirl round that he was the 37-year-old’s new coach.
However then, a clarification got here and it was revealed that they have been solely making ready for the doubles occasion in Doha.
Throughout his profession, the Spanish tennis participant gained seven titles and was ranked as excessive as No. 7 on the earth.
