Legendary tennis players Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have praised Spain’s Fernando Verdasco after he retired from the sport. The 41-year-old played his last professional game in the Qatar Open in the doubles category.

The crowd showed their appreciation for Verdasco, who lives in Doha, with rapturous applause as he spread his arms wide. And Djokovic, who applauded with them, oozed class as he signalled for spectators to make even more noise. Djokovic continued whipping up the audience as the pair made their way off court.

Novak Djokovic was beaten for the second time in as many days, as he and the retiring Fernando Verdasco exited the Qatar Open mens doubles.

He joined foces with Fernando Verdasco, who is playing his last tournament in a career. Novak and Fernando trained in Doha a couple of days ago and looked great in their first encounter. The Serb and the Spaniard toppled Karen Khachanov and Alexander Bublik 6-1, 6-1 in no time.

Italian Matteo Berrettini upset third-seeded Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 6-2 in the first round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha on Tuesday. It was the first career win in five attempts for Berrettini against the Serbian and also his first victory over a top-10 player since 2023.

The most high-profile player-coach partnership in sports is set to continue. Novak Djokovic on Tuesday confirmed that Andy Murray, once his rival on the court, will continue to coach him for an "indefinite" period.

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.