Djokovic & Verdasco sail through doubles opener in Doha

It may be the final ATP Tour event of Fernando Verdasco’s career, but the Spaniard is not going down without a bang at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open.

Accompanied by partner Novak Djokovic on the doubles court on Monday, the pair put on a show to ease past Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-1 in 48 minutes and reach the second round in Doha. Verdasco, the former No. 7 in the PIF ATP Rankings, will retire after the hard-court ATP 500 event at age 41, and he is relishing every moment alongside the 24-time major winner Djokovic.

“I have to say, maybe after this match I shouldn’t play the second round,” said Verdasco, whose last ATP Tour doubles appearance was in 2022. “I should just go and retire by winning 6-1, 6-1. It’s the best feeling ever, thank you so much for coming today, and see you on Wednesday.”

Djokovic and Verdasco shared chest bumps as early as the third game and their enjoyment proved pivotal as they cruised across the line. They converted four of nine break points they created, according to Infosys ATP Stats, and saved the sole one they faced on serve. They will next face second seeds Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, who are the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champions.

An accomplished doubles player, Verdasco displayed some of the tactful awareness that helped him claim the 2013 Nitto ATP Finals title with David Marrero. The Spaniard was still sharp at the net and his booming lefty forehands appear to still be in his arsenal, often troubling Bublik and Khachanov with their depth.