Qatar Open: Nikoloz Basilashvili Ends Roger Federer’s Comeback

Roger Federer’s comeback to the tour after nearly 14 months out ended with a 3-6 6-1 7-5 loss to Nikoloz Basilashvili in the Qatar Open quarter-finals.

Federer, 39, was pushed to the limit in his first match back on Wednesday when he beat Dan Evans in three sets, but the Swiss looked well in control in the opening set against the unseeded Basilashvili.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion broke Basilashvili early and saved three break points to take a 4-1 lead.

Federer, returning to action after two knee operations last year, punished Basilashvili with vintage backhand winners down the line and trademark sliced backhand drop shots.

Basilashvili fought back in the second set, however, saving three break points on the way to a 3-0 lead before he wrapped up the set in 25 minutes with the help of seven aces.

Federer looked tired in the third set and at 3-3, he had to fight hard to hold his serve in a lengthy game.

Basilashvili saved a match point and won seven of the next eight points to take a 6-5 lead and he served out for the match, clinching victory with a backhand winner to reach the semi-finals.

Basilashvili moves into the semi-finals