(Reuters) – Roger Federer’s return to the tour after nearly 14 months out ended with a 3-6 6-1 7-5 loss to Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarterfinals at the Qatar Open.
Georgian Basilashvili saved a game point in the final set and took advantage of a tired Federer to reach the semi-finals.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s one of the greatest ever. Just playing him means so much to me, ”said Basilashvili.
“I’m really happy he’s back playing again. A dream come true, he was always my idol. He is an unbelievable player. ”
Federer, 39, was pushed to the max in his first match back on Wednesday when the British beat Dan Evans in three sets but Switzerland looked good in control in the opening set against the unbeaten Basilashvili.
The Grand Slam champion defeated Basilashvili 20 times early saving three break points to take the lead 4-1. Federer, returning to action after two knee operations last year, punished Basilashvili with old-handed winners back down the line and shot trademark sliced backhand drops.
Basilashvili battled back in the second set, however, saving three break points en route to a 3-0 lead before wrapping 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 long game. Basilashvili saved a game point and won seven of the next eight points to take the lead from 6-5 and served out the match, clinching victory with a backhand winner.
Basilashvili will meet Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals after beating fourth seed Denis Shapovalov 5-7 6-3 7-5.