Forgotten former world No.16 Nikoloz Basilashvili has confirmed his decision to "never return to compete" in Qatar after being snubbed for a wildcard.
For the past few years, the 32-year-old Georgian has struggled with injuries, having required multiple surgeries on his elbow.
Basilashvili is gradually returning to full fitness, appearing at the Australian Open qualifying rounds last month, where he won through to the main draw, defeating Cruz Hewitt en route.
He reached the quarter-finals of Montpellier over two weeks ago, but the 2021 Indian Wells finalists' form wasn't enough to secure a wildcard for the upcoming Doha 500 event.
Left out of the preliminary phase to enter qualifying in Qatar by one spot, Basilashvili wasn't awarded a wildcard despite previously winning the tournament in 2021 and finishing runner-up the year after.
In a statement on X, Basilashvili was brutal and honest in his assessment.
"I'm a little bit heartbroken to share that I wasn't able to get a wildcard for the Doha event, not even for the qualifying draw, despite winning the title in 2021 and reaching the final in 2022," wrote the world No.148.
"I'm used to not getting anything the easy way, but this one hurts. I was the last one to miss the cut.
"I understand that money and sponsors play a role, but above all is a common sense.
"Qatar, you've given me incredible moments and memories that I'll keep forever. But I promise this-I will never return to compete here again in my professional career."
Last year, Dominic Thiem announced in May of his decision to retire in October, but although he won the 2020 US Open, the Austrian didn't receive a wildcard into the main draw, sparking fury amongst fans.
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