By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday February 19, 2025
Former World No.7 and seven-time ATP title winner Fernando Verdasco called time on his epic career, the Spaniard playing his last match in Doha as he teamed with Novak Djokovic on the doubles court.
Verdasco and Djokovic were defeated in the quarterfinals by Henry Patten and Harri Hellovaara in the quarter-finals, 7-5, 6-4.
41-year-old Verdasco turned pro in 2001 and won 559 ATP matches, including three victories over Rafael Nadal and four against Novak Djokovic. In 2009 he played one of the most incredible Australian Open semifinals on record, falling to Nadal in five hours and 14 minutes.
¡Vivimos grandes batallas ⚔️ en la pista y momentos muy bonitos con 🇪🇸 en la @DavisCup! ¡Felicidades por tu gran carrera, @FerVerdasco! pic.twitter.com/PebWGLn87l
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 19, 2025
“Today was one of those matches you’re going to remember a long time,” Nadal said after his win.
He was right.
Verdasco had been off tour for a while due to injuries, but decided to come back and finish his career on court.
“The emotions are very big, after being for a year and a half out of competition,” Verdasco said in a press conference in Doha this week. “I was not even thinking of making an official announcement or playing for one last time until I spoke with him [Djokovic]. Now I’m so happy to make it possible here in Doha.”
During his career, Verdasco also helped Spain win three Davis Cup titles, and recorded the clinching point against Argentina’s Jose Acasuso in the 2008 finals. In addition to his Australian Open semifinal run, Verdasco made three other major quarterfinals and reached the second week at Roland-Garros six times.
