Novak Djokovic is back in good shape faster than expected after the thigh injury he suffered in Australia and will participate in the Doha ATP 500, scheduled from 17 to 22 February. According to the first rumors, the Serbian legend was supposed to be out for a couple of months and it was rumored that she would only return to red clay (in Monte Carlo or Madrid).
Last week, Serbian media denied these rumors and revealed that Nole's injury was less serious than expected. Although the former world No. 1 has not practiced since the Australian Open, the recovery process has been quick and the 37-year-old from Belgrade feels ready to return to competition.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will have to play his best tennis to get a good result in Doha, a very prestigious tournament that has become ATP 500 and in which Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (defeated by Novak in the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park) will also participate.
Verdasco will coach Nole in Qatar
As has already been anticipated, Djokovic will not be followed by Andy Murray in Qatar. However, their collaboration is destined to continue at least until Wimbledon after working very well in the first Major of the new season.
In these hours, the Serbian newspaper 'Sport Klub' has reported a truly surprising news. Nole's coach during the Doha ATP 500 will be former Spanish ace Fernando Verdasco, who has known the Serbian legend for a long time and who has a great relationship with him.
"We had decided a long time ago that I would be his coach in Qatar," revealed Verdasco, who retired in 2023 after winning seven ATP titles and has been living in Doha for some time.
Novak and Fernando have faced each other 15 times on the professional tour, with an 11-4 record in favor of the Serbian. Their last clash was in Doha in 2017, perhaps the worst year of Nole's career, who prevailed in three sets after a very tough battle.
