Fernando Verdasco’s final serve: The end of an era for a left-handed maestro

New Delhi: Nothing lasts forever but remember the 2009 Happy Slam? That was the tournament where Fernando Verdasco introduced himself to the tennis world in a spectacular fashion. Verdasco battled none other than 22 Grand Slam champions Rafael Nadal in an unforgettable match. And now almost 25 years later he has finally said goodbye to professional tennis. The Spanish veteran who is known for his ferocious forehand and relentless spirit brought the curtain down on his illustrious career in Doha. Partnering with Novak Djokovic for one final appearance in doubles, Verdasco bid farewell at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open after a quarter-final defeat. It was an emotional moment marking the end of a journey that began when he picked up a racket at the age of four.

Verdasco has been away from the tour since September 2023 and had not initially planned a formal farewell. However, after a conversation with Djokovic, he decided that Doha, a place he has called home for a decade was the perfect setting. “The emotions are very big,” he said. “I wasn’t thinking of playing one last time but after speaking with Novak, I felt this was the right moment. Doing it here, where I’ve lived for ten years, in front of family and friends, is special. And to share the court with someone like Djokovic, who is statistically the best player in history, makes it even more meaningful.”

Time to wave goodbye 🥹

Doubles defeat by Heliovaara/Patten signals the end of a stellar career for @FerVerdasco @DjokerNole | @QatarTennis | #QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/YoaaWZrVMr

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 19, 2025

A career filled with unforgettable moments

Verdasco turned pro in 2001 and crafted a career which is rich in milestones and iconic battles. He boasts seven ATP singles titles including the prestigious Barcelona Open, and notched 500 match wins on tour. The 41-year-old’s contributions to Spanish tennis were immense as he played a crucial role in securing three Davis Cup titles for his country in 2008, 2009, and 2011.

Among those triumphs, the 2008 Davis Cup final in Argentina stands out at the pinnacle of his success for the national team as he helped his country win the third Davis Cup crown. With Spain needing one last point to clinch the trophy, Verdasco delivered under pressure defeating Jose Acasuso in a grueling five-set battle. “Winning the Davis Cup is my biggest memory,” he recalled. “Especially that final in Argentina, where I won the decisive point. That moment will always be with me.”

His individual brilliance was on full display at the 2009 Australian Open where he reached the semi-finals in what would become one of the greatest matches of the modern era. With a place in the final at stake he faced Rafael Nadal. A player who had never reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam before crafted his name into tennis history with a five-hour five-setter epic clash with Nadal. Verdasco pushed his countryman to the limit showcasing his electrifying shot-making and raw determination. Though he ultimately fell short, the match cemented his reputation as one of the game’s most exciting shot-makers.

We will never forget THIS semifinal 🔥 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/yUuuEodOLK

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 20, 2025

Battling against the best

The Madrid native continued his stellar form throughout 2009, finishing the year ranked No. 7 and earning a place at the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals. In 2010, he reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo after beating Djokovic en route before finishing runner-up to Nadal. But just a week later, he captured one of the biggest titles of his career winning the Barcelona Open in front of his home crowd.

Even as the years passed, Verdasco remained a formidable presence on the tour. He claimed titles in Houston in 2014 and Bucharest in 2016 and maintained his competitive edge in the Grand Slams with deep runs at the 2013 Wimbledon quarter-final and a quarter-finalist at the 2009 and 2010 US Open. He also made six fourth-round appearances at the Roland Garros.

A fitting farewell

Verdasco’s game was a nightmare for opponents with his explosive forehand, powerful serve, and aggressive baseline play. His relentless style earned him respect across the tennis world, though much of his career was defined in singles, he was also a force in doubles where he won eight titles including the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals crown in 2013 alongside David Marrero.

After their quarter-final win in Doha, the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic took to his social media to honour Verdasco with two back-to-back stories.  

As he steps away from the professional circuit Verdasco leaves behind a legacy of passion, power, and perseverance. His journey from a young Madrid boy with a dream to a global tennis star will inspire generations to come. Though his time on the court has ended but his impact on the sport will be felt for years. One thing is certain that Fernando Verdasco’s name will always be remembered among the greats of Spanish tennis.

 Fernando Verdasco bids farewell to tennis at 41, ending his illustrious career in Doha with a final match alongside Novak Djokovic at the Qatar Open.  Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today