ATP Doha: Nole/Verdasco storm into QFs, R1 in singles vs Berrettini | Novak Djokovic

Nole is making his return to the tour this week in Doha, after his retirement in the semi-final of the Australian Open, due to injury.

Two-time Qatar ExxonMobil Open champion, Novak Djokovic, is no.3 seed, and will open his campaign against Matteo Berrettini (ITA, ATP #35). It will be their fifth career meeting (4-0 H2H).

This year’s tournament, which will take place from February 17 to 22 at the Khalifa International Tennis Complex, marks its debut as an ATP 500 event, promising an extraordinary week of world-class competition.

Novak’s possible rivals in the later stages of the tournament are:

2nd round: Jan-Lennard Struff (GER), Tallon Griekspoor (NED)Quarter-finals: Jack Draper (GBR), Alexei Popyrin (AUS)Semi-finals: Carlos Alcaraz (ESP, 1), Grigor Dimitrov (BUL, 7)Finals: Alex De Minaur (AUS, 2), Daniil Medvedev (RUS, 4), Andrey Rublev (RUS, 5), Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE, 6)

Djokovic won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017, beating Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in the finals.

The 37-year-old Serbian star is on the brink of another career milestone as he aims to secure his 100th professional singles title in Doha.

Tournament Director Karim Alami shared his enthusiasm for Novak’s return: “It’s an honour to welcome Novak Djokovic back to Doha for the 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. His return, especially in the first year of the tournament as an ATP 500 event, adds immense value. Novak is a phenomenal athlete who always captivates with his skill and competitiveness. His strong connection with Doha, having won here twice, makes his participation all the more exciting for fans. We can’t wait to see him bring his exceptional game to the Khalifa International Tennis Complex.”

Novak teamed up with Fernando Verdasco in the doubles competition in the Spaniard’s final ATP Tour event. The duo recorded a convincing 6-1, 6-1 victory over Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov, to advance into the quarter-finals. Their next opponents are second seeds Harri Heliovaara (FIN) and Henry Patten (GBR).

“After so many incredible years on the ATP Tour, the time has come for my final tournament at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open,” Verdasco wrote. “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… 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.”

Photo: QTF/Paul Zimmer