Qatar Open 2021: Roger Federer bows out to Nikoloz Basilashvili
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Roger Federer
Roger Federer’s return to action after 13 months was a rather short one has he bows out of the Qatar Open. Nikoloz Basilashvili got the better of the Swiss great in three sets. The Georgian came from a set down to defeat Federer 3-6,6-1,7-5.
The Swiss maestro was missing from action for almost over 13 months, after undergoing a double knee operation. However, Federer has made a full recovery and moved very well on court despite his loss. He will definitely take positives from his outing in Doha.
Federer stepped onto the court second time post the tour resumption. In the first set, he was seen serving well and held serve. Basilashvili was seen pushing Federer all the way but the Swiss recollected all his experience to win the set 6-3.
In the second set, Basilashvili topped his game and broke Federer’s serve multiple times. He moved across the court well and hit big forehand and backhand winners left, right and center. Federer was seen tired and wanted the set over as soon as possible. The Georgian won the set 6-1.
The third set started slowly with both players showing some defensive masterclass. They were levelled 5-5 before Basilashvili stepped his game up to break Federer’s serve.
Nikoloz Bashilashvili will face Taylor Fritz in the semi-final.
Also read: We are lucky to see all of them playing in the same era: Milos Raonic on the Big 3
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)