Fernando Verdasco is set to retire and he will do so with Novak Djokovic by his side.
The Spaniard is one of the ATP Tour’s longest-serving players after making his main draw tour debut in 2003.
He was known for having some of the most devastating groundstrokes and was capable of beating any player on his day.
But now aged 41 and having not played since September 2023, Fernando Verdasco has now decided to hang up his racket.
Fernando Verdasco announces retirement with Novak Djokovic alongside him
Verdasco will bid farewell to professional tennis after over 20 years on the tour.
He will play his final tournament at the Qatar Open and will compete in the doubles competition alongside Novak Djokovic.
The former World number seven took to Instagram to make the announcement and wrote: “After so many incredible years on the ATP Tour, the time has come for my final tournament at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025.
“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.
“@djokernole thank you so much for saying yes since the first moment I told you. I’m going to enjoy every moment and give it my all one last time.
“Thank you everyone that has been there for me during all my career in the good and in the bad times. Let’s make this week unforgettable THANK YOU.”
Novak Djokovic returns to action at the Qatar Open
After sustaining a hamstring injury at the Australian Open, it was feared that Djokovic would be out of action for at least two months.
But scans showed the injury was not as bad as first feared and Djokovic was cleared to compete at the Qatar Open.
On Thursday footage emerged on X of Djokovic practicing his return of serve and moving well along the baseline and while running forward towards the net.
Djokovic is set play in Qatar for the first time since 2018 and will aim to win his 100th singles title and his second doubles title when he teams with Verdasco.
The Qatar Open marks Djokovic’s second doubles tournament of the season, the first being with Nick Kyrgios at the Brisbane International in January.
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