The 37-year-old stated that he won't be able to compete in Doha but is aiming for an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas in March, followed by Indian Wells later in the month
Georgia's Basilashvili played aggressively throughout the encounter from the baseline to rush Federer and earn a 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory. Basilashvili saved seven of 10 break points, including a match point at 4-5 in the decider
"Feels good to be back. I'm happy to be standing here regardless of if I won or lost. But obviously winning feels better," the 20-time Grand Slam champion said in the on-court interview after the match on Wednesday.