Daniil Medvedev once again showcased his prowess on the court, overpowering Félix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. With a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory, Medvedev notched his eighth win in ten encounters against the Canadian star, snapping Auger-Aliassime’s recent two-match winning streak against him.
This clash marked a significant challenge for Auger-Aliassime’s serve, which had been rock-solid throughout the tournament. The 25-year-old faced his first break of the event at a crucial moment, 4-5 in the opening set, allowing Medvedev to seize the lead. The second set saw Auger-Aliassime under pressure again, facing three break points and ultimately losing his serve twice, concluding the match in under 90 minutes.
The opening set was a tight affair, with both players holding their ground. Medvedev, however, found a bit more ease on his serve.
Despite landing just over half of his first serves, he was nearly untouchable when they connected, conceding only two points. Auger-Aliassime, on the other hand, had to navigate through some tense moments, especially when trying to extend the set at 4-5.
Facing the match’s first break point, Medvedev capitalized with a decisive volley after a grueling 24-shot rally, clinching the set.
In the second set, the intensity ramped up with the longest rally of the match, featuring a 27-shot exchange that Auger-Aliassime ended with a volley. However, the effort seemed to weigh on him, as he was broken in that same game, falling behind 1-3.
Medvedev maintained his momentum, delivering eight consecutive service points to position himself just a game away from the final. As Auger-Aliassime served to stay in the match at 2-5, Medvedev’s precise passing shot set up double match point. Although Auger-Aliassime saved one with a powerful serve, Medvedev sealed the deal with a return winner, dashing the Canadian’s hopes of a Dubai final appearance.
Medvedev’s performance was a testament to his strategic brilliance and relentless execution, leaving a clear message to the rest of the field: he's a force to be reckoned with.