Novak Djokovic played his part in giving Fernando Verdasco a heartwarming send-off at the Qatar Open.

The pair suffered defeat in their men's doubles quarter-final on Wednesday, signalling the end of Verdasco's 24-year professional playing career. After beating Karen Khachanonv and Alexander Bublik in the opening round, the veteran pairing lost in straight sets to second seeds Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara.

Once the match was sealed 7-5 6-4 with a Verdasco forehand into the net, the Spaniard and Djokovic immediately shared a warm embrace. And it was all smiles as they made their way to the net to shake hands with Briton Patten and Finnish competitor Heliovaara.

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.

Verdasco heads into retirement after a one-off doubles partnership with the 24-time Grand Slam winner, but he boasts plenty of his own accomplishments.

After turning pro in 2001, the Madrid-born star, now 41, reached the Australian Open semi-final and a career-high world ranking of nine in 2009. He made three other Grand Slam quarter-finals, racked up seven Tour titles and also enjoyed success in doubles.

Verdasco had not played competitively since September 2023 prior to lining up alongside Djokovic this week. "The emotions are very big after being out of competition for a year and a half," he said before their quarter-final run.

"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.

"I've been living here for 10 years now, so this feels like my house, like my home, and there is no better way to retire than in my home, with all my family, with my friends, and with someone like Novak Djokovic who, obviously, in the matter of numbers, is the best player in history of tennis and one of the best athletes in history as well."

Though his partnership with Verdasco was wholesome, Djokovic's trip to Qatar was not a successful one. Playing in his first tournament since the Australian Open, the 37-year-old was dumped out in the first round of the men's singles with a straight-sets defeat to Matteo Berrettini.