Djokovic marks return with convincing doubles win in Doha
Novak Djokovic marked his return from injury with a convincing doubles victory over Alexander Bublik and Karen Khachanov, alongside Fernando Verdasco at the Qatar Open.
Djokovic, who has not played since retiring from his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev, partnered the Spaniard for an emphatic 6-1 6-1 victory on Monday.
Ahead of the Qatar Open, Verdasco, a former world number seven, confirmed he would step away from the court at the age of 41, bringing down the curtain on his 22-year career.
Djokovic and Verdasco needed just 48 minutes to surge past their opponents, converting four of the nine break points they forced and winning 11 games in a row at one stage.
"I have to say, maybe after this match I shouldn't play the second round," said Verdasco, whose last ATP Tour doubles appearance was in 2022.
"I should just go and retire by winning 6-1 6-1. It’s the best feeling ever. Thank you so much for coming today, and see you on Wednesday."
They will next face second seeds Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, who are the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open men's doubles champions.