Former Qatar Open champion goes back on his ‘promise’ to never return to the event

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Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili won the Qatar Open title in 2021.

Then, a year later, he returned to the final, losing to Roberto Bautista Agut.

However, as his form dipped in the years that followed, so did Basilashvili’s ATP ranking.

So much so that he was unable to gain direct entry to the Qatar Open in 2025.

The event decided against awarding him a wild card, a decision that infuriated Basilashvili.

“I’m a little heartbroken to share that I wasn’t able to get a Wild Card for the Doha event, not even for the qualifying draw, despite winning the title in 2021 and reaching the final in 2022,” he said.

“I understand that money and sponsors play a role, but above all is common sense.

“Qatar, you’ve given me incredible moments and memories that I’ll keep forever.

“But I promise this – I will never return to compete here again in my professional career.”

Basilashvili vowed never to return to Doha, but there he was, in the 2026 qualifying draw…

Nikoloz Basilashvili returns to the Qatar Open after breaking his promise

The Georgian number one wasn’t given a wild card for this year’s Qatar Open.

But, having enjoyed a better season last year, he entered the qualifying draw via his ranking.

Nikoloz Basilashvili’s ATP ranking

Making his way to Doha, Basilashvili drew Sweden’s Elias Ymer in the first round of qualifying.

The pair had met once before, in Doha, three years ago.

On that occasion, Basilashvili defeated Ymer, 6-4, 7-5, to book his place in the quarterfinals.

But was he able to repeat the feat in 2026?

Nikoloz Basilashvili retired one game away from defeat

Basilashvili retired down 3-6, 5-6, against Ymer.

He had called the physio on court a game earlier and chose to call it a day shortly after.

The Georgian’s serve was poor throughout, making 10 double faults to Ymer’s four.

Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Elias Ymer – Match stats

If he wanted any chance of progressing to the second round of qualifying, he needed to play much better than that…

Nikoloz Basilashvili’s Qatar Open record

Despite his qualifying defeat in 2026, Basilashvili’s record at the Qatar Open remains impressive.

The Georgian has played 25 matches in Doha, winning 17.

Basilashvili won’t just want to look back on his past success in Qatar, though.

He’ll want to push on and win matches elsewhere on the ATP Tour.

Only time will tell what 2026 has in store for Basilashvili, but it will certainly be worth keeping an eye on.

It will also be interesting to see if he decides to return to Doha in 2027…