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ROGER FEDERER loses in Doha
ATP Tennis Players, Roger Federer, Tennis News

‘He’s the best player of all time’, says Nikoloz Basilashvili after beating Federer


Roger Federer is out of the Qatar Open after losing to Nikoloz Basilashvili in three sets having had a match point. 

The 39-year-old Swiss won the first set 6-3, before his Georgian opponent won the second set 6-1.

Basilashvili – the world No. 42 – then saved a match point serving at 4-5, 30-40 in the deciding set.

The 29-year-old broke Federer in the next game, before serving out to win the third set 7-5 and complete a memorable victory.

He will face world No. 33 Taylor Fritz – who edged past Denis Shapovalov in the quarter-finals – in the last four.

“It’s unbelievable, he is one of the greatest of all time in tennis. To just play him means so much for me, I’m very happy he came back and (is) playing again,” said Basilashvili in his on-court interview.

“For sure, to win against him is a dream come true for me. He was always my idol and I’m sure (he is) to many tennis players and fans.

“He’s an unbelievable player, so I’m extremely happy. He is on court, (the) best player of all time in my opinion, and off court he’s (an) unbelievable person.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.