ATP Qatar Open 2021: Roger Federer vs Nikoloz Basilashvili – Preview, Head-to-Head and Match Prediction

ATP Qatar Open 2021: Roger Federer vs Nikoloz Basilashvili – Preview, Head-to-Head and Match Prediction

Roger Federer and Nikoloz Basilashvili

Roger Federer

Swiss maestro Roger Federer will take on British Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarter-final at the ATP Qatar Open.

Match Details

  • Tournament: Qatar Open 2021
  • Date: March 11, 2021
  • Fixture: Roger Federer vs Nikoloz Basilashvili
  • Round: Quarter-Final
  • Venue: Doha, Qatar
  • Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
  • Prize Money: $35,060

Roger Federer vs Nikoloz Basilashvili: Preview

Roger Federer

Swiss star Roger Federer marked his return to the tour at the 2021 Qatar Open with a hard-fought victory over Dan Evans on Wednesday. 

Federer was taken down the distance by the Briton. After winning a tight first set tie-breaker before loosing the second set 3-6. He eventually used all his experience to close out the match 7-6(8),3-6,7-5.

FS Video

This is Federer’s first tournament in 13 months, and also his first post the resumption of the tour. The Swiss looked in decent shape and was moving well on the court.

His opponent, Nikoloz Basilashvili, on the other hand, beat Malek Jaziri 6-2, 6-2 in his second-round match on Wednesday. The Georgian had lost five consecutive matches coming into Doha, but he snapped the streak by beating John Millman in the first round.

Roger Federer vs Nikoloz Basilashvili: Head-to-Head

Nikoloz Basilashvili

This will be the second meeting between the duo. Federer leads the H2H 1-0. The two played each other at the 2016 Australian Open, with Federer winning 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.

Roger Federer vs Nikoloz Basilashvili: Prediction

Roger Federer

On paper, Federer goes in as a huge favorite. But he was left fatigued by his 144-minute long battle against Dan Evans, and it remains to be seen if his body recovers before his quarterfinal on Thursday.

Given the Swiss’ age, his body may require a bit more than a day to recover. Basilashvili will be aware of that and would want to capitalise the most out of it.

Considering everything, Federer has the class to clear the Georgian. His serve might be the biggest difference-maker in the match. Expect Federer to be pushed to three sets before eventually winning.

Prediction: Federer to win in three sets.

Also read: Roger Federer defeats Dan Evans to set quarterfinals clash against Nikoloz Basilashvili