Fernando Verdasco Announces Retirement, Ends Career With Novak Djokovic Partnership in Doha

Spanish tennis veteran Fernando Verdasco has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 41. Verdasco will conclude his illustrious career at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha, partnering with long-time friend and former rival Novak Djokovic in the doubles event. The duo received a wild card into the main draw and, in their opening round, delivered a dominant performance, defeating Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov 6-1 6-1 in just 48 minutes.

With this victory, Verdasco and Djokovic advance to the quarterfinals, where they are set to face the second-seeded pair of Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open doubles champions.

Throughout his career, Verdasco achieved significant milestones, including reaching a career-high singles ranking of World No. 7 and securing seven ATP singles titles. He was also instrumental in Spain’s Davis Cup triumphs, contributing to three championship victories. In recent years, Verdasco transitioned into coaching, working with players such as Abdullah Shelbayh and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and advising Ons Jabeur.

In addition to his singles success, Fernando Verdasco enjoyed a strong doubles career, winning eight ATP titles, including two at the Masters 1000 level. His biggest doubles triumph came at the 2013 ATP World Tour Finals, where he and David Marrero defeated the world’s top-ranked teams to claim the prestigious year-end championship. Verdasco also won the Rome Masters in 2008 alongside Tommy Robredo and the Miami Open in 2018 with Pablo Cuevas, demonstrating his versatility across surfaces. His doubles prowess extended to Davis Cup competition, where he played a key role in Spain’s victories, often partnering with fellow countrymen to secure crucial wins.

Reflecting on his final tournament, Verdasco expressed gratitude and excitement, stating, “I’m going to enjoy every moment and give it my all one last time.”  Fans and fellow players alike will be watching as Verdasco bids farewell to the sport, sharing the court with Djokovic in a fitting end to a remarkable career.