Novak Djokovic is back in action in Doha this week, having recovered much faster than expected from the left thigh injury he suffered during the 2025 Australian Open. It was rumored that the former world number 1 would have to be out of action for a couple of months and that he would only return to the red clay, but that problem turned out to be less serious than expected and Nole is ready to return to compete at the highest level.
The Serbian legend will not have a comfortable opponent on his debut in Qatar, as he will have to face a very dangerous player on this surface like Matteo Berrettini. The former Italian Top 10 is not going through the best moment of his career and has not started 2025 with great results, but his serve and his power from the baseline could create problems for a Novak far from the best form.
Djokovic and Berrettini faced each other in the final of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, in which the Serbian prevailed in four sets after a very tough battle. That year, Nole and Matteo had also faced each other in the quarterfinals of the French Open and in the quarterfinals of the US Open, with the champion from Belgrade always victorious.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion won’t be able to count on Andy Murray’s support this week, but it’s already been announced that their partnership will continue until at least Wimbledon (and will resume in Indian Wells early next month).
Djokovic and Verdasco join forces
The 37-year-old from Belgrade has practiced a lot with Fernando Verdasco in recent days and the two champions will play the doubles tournament together. The Spaniard – who has not played a singles match since the end of 2023 – has been residing in Doha for several years and has always had an excellent relationship with Djokovic even off the court.
Their first opponents will be Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov, who are able to express excellent tennis on this surface and who will start as favorites today.
It will be interesting to understand the physical condition of Nole, who has not been able to practice much in recent weeks.
Tennis World USA