Doha: Basilashvili's Stunning U-Turn, One Year After Blasting Tournament Organizers

Nikoloz Basilashvili Makes Surprise Return to Doha, One Year After Vowing Never to Play in Qatar Again

© AFP

Jules Hypolite

le 13/02/2026 à 20h21

1 min to read

Basilashvili Nikoloz

A finalist at Indian Wells in 2021 and winner of five titles, including one in Doha in 2021, Nikoloz Basilashvili had sharply criticized the Qatari tournament organizers last year for not awarding him a wild card, whether for the main draw or the qualifiers.

As a former champion, the Georgian believed he should have received that invitation on merit, while he "was just one spot away from the cut" to participate in the event. He had then promised "to never come back" to play in Qatar.

Present in the Qualifying Draw

But one year after the incident, Basilashvili, ranked 137th in the world this week, appears to have changed his tune. Indeed, he is among the players entered for the qualifiers of this ATP 500. He will even play his first round tomorrow against Otto Virtanen.

An unprecedented situation that has, of course, been noticed by several internet users on social media.