In Dubai, the tennis action is heating up as Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, close friends and compatriots, are on track for a potential showdown in the final. However, standing in their way on semifinal Friday are Felix Auger-Aliassime and Tallon Griekspoor, both ready to upset the narrative.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Daniil Medvedev
This semifinal clash marks the 10th meeting between Auger-Aliassime and Medvedev. While Medvedev holds a 7-2 lead in their head-to-head encounters, the recent story is a bit different. Auger-Aliassime has turned the tide, winning their last two matchups, including a straight-set victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a win via retirement in Doha last year.
The Canadian, ranked eighth, is in stellar form this season with a 12-3 record, clinching a title in Montpellier and reaching the finals in Rotterdam. His path in Dubai has been smooth, with straight-set wins over Zhizhen Zhang, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Jiri Lehecka.
Medvedev, on the other hand, shares a similar 12-3 record this season but still faces questions after a challenging 2025. Despite winning in Brisbane, he hasn't beaten a top-30 player since last fall.
Auger-Aliassime seems poised to extend his winning streak against Medvedev.
Andrey Rublev vs. Tallon Griekspoor
For Griekspoor, Dubai seems to be a lucky charm. After a rocky start to 2026 with a 3-6 record, the Dutchman has found his groove again, notching victories over Otto Virtanen, Alexander Bublik, and Jakub Mensik. Dubai has been kind to him before, as he reached the semis last year by defeating Medvedev and Ugo Humbert.
Rublev, ranked 18th, holds a 3-0 record against Griekspoor. The Russian has shown his versatility by winning on various surfaces, including a thrilling third-set tiebreaker in Doha and victories on the grass of Halle and clay of Madrid.
Rublev's current form is impressive; he's won six of his last seven matches, only falling to Carlos Alcaraz, the eventual Doha champion. Expect Rublev to continue his dominance, although Griekspoor won't make it easy.
Prediction: Rublev in three sets.
As the semifinals unfold, both Medvedev and Rublev will need to bring their A-game to fend off formidable opponents. With the potential for an all-Russian final, tennis fans are in for a thrilling ride.