The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are once again serving up high drama and compelling storylines, with Daniil Medvedev powering his way into the final and threatening to rewrite a quirky chapter of his own tennis history. With the Russian star’s straight-sets demolition of top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, fans are now on the edge of their seats, wondering if Medvedev can finally clinch his first-ever repeat title and break a streak that has followed him throughout his career.
Medvedev, who captured the Dubai crown in 2023, produced a clinical 6-4, 6-2 victory over Auger-Aliassime on February 27, 2026. The match was billed as a tactical battle, with many expecting the Canadian’s booming serve to challenge Medvedev’s deep-court defense. Yet, from the opening games, it was clear who would dictate the tempo. Medvedev’s defensive prowess and razor-sharp anticipation left little room for Auger-Aliassime to impose his game. The numbers tell the story: while the top seed managed to win just 36 of 64 points on his own serve, Medvedev was nearly untouchable, capturing 36 of 43 service points, including a stellar showing on his second serve.
Reflecting on his recent form, Medvedev has been open about his journey back to consistency. “There were moments in my career when I was better prepared,” Medvedev said earlier in the tournament. “Funnily enough, they say ‘Rookies get lucky’. It was more this kind of thing. Everything was new, I didn’t care… I was just playing the way I felt. Now, I have a lot more thoughts in my head, which can help me sometimes, but sometimes I need to get rid of them to play better. I still know that I can be consistent. For example, at the end of last year I was super consistent, and even this year I am trying to regain it. This tournament is great so far.”
Indeed, the Russian’s recent performances in Dubai have been a testament to his renewed focus and drive. This marks Medvedev’s fourth appearance at the ATP 500 event in the United Arab Emirates, and his third trip to the semi-finals. In the run-up to his showdown with Auger-Aliassime, Medvedev dispatched Jenson Brooksby, Stan Wawrinka, and Juncheng Shang—all without dropping a single set. His form has been described as his best since a disappointing Round of 16 exit at the Australian Open earlier in 2026. With each match, Medvedev seems to be regaining the consistency that once saw him rise to world No. 1, and he’s now on the cusp of returning to the top ten for the first time since June.
But Medvedev’s journey to the final is more than just a return to form—it’s a shot at history. Despite his impressive trophy cabinet, the Russian has never managed to win the same tournament twice, a statistical oddity that’s become a talking point among fans and commentators alike. Now, with just one win separating him from a Dubai double, Medvedev is closer than ever to breaking that “no repeat” title curse. The final, set for later this week, will see him face either his compatriot Andrey Rublev or the Dutch challenger Tallon Griekspoor.
On the other side of the draw, Andrey Rublev continues to shine in Dubai, advancing to his fifth semi-final at the event after a hard-fought 6-2, 6-4 win over Arthur Rinderknech. Rublev, who lifted the Dubai trophy in 2022 and finished runner-up in 2023, has made the desert courts something of a second home. “I was just trying to do my job,” Rublev said after his victory. “Trying to play my tennis and keep doing the things I was doing. As soon as I had the chance to play aggressive, I tried to go to the net, to focus on my serve, to serve hard and put pressure on his return, which was not easy because he was serving super hard.”
Rublev’s path to the semis was anything but straightforward, with the Russian needing two hours and 23 minutes to subdue the big-serving Frenchman. Now ranked 18th in the world, Rublev’s consistency in Dubai has been remarkable, and he will be eager to add a second title to his resume. Standing in his way is Tallon Griekspoor, who booked his place in the semi-finals for the second time after overcoming sixth seed Jakub Mensik 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. Griekspoor, reflecting on his win, said, “I thought I started off really, really well. Broke him with a good game from my side. I didn’t really have any problems. It shifted a little bit in the second set, I didn’t make as many first serves and he started to serve better. At the beginning of the third set, I had to up my game, serve better, which I really did. In the end I started to return really well, so I am very pleased with the win.”
Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 25-year-old Canadian and top seed, will be left to reflect on another missed opportunity to capture the Dubai title. After reaching the final last year, Auger-Aliassime was hopeful of going one better in 2026. Looking ahead to his semi-final clash with Medvedev, he had noted, “We have very different game styles. I’m going to try to come forward, he will try and make me miss. We’ll see who gets the better of the game plan. He’s had the better of me… It took me seven or eight times before beating him.” Despite his optimism, Medvedev’s tactical mastery proved too much, and the Canadian’s wait for a Dubai crown continues.
As the tournament barrels toward its conclusion, the possibility of an all-Russian final looms large. If Rublev can get past Griekspoor, he will set up a mouthwatering showdown with Medvedev—a battle between two friends, rivals, and former champions. For Medvedev, the stakes couldn’t be higher: not only would a win cement his resurgence, but it would also finally put to rest the “no repeat” narrative that has dogged his career. For Rublev, another Dubai title would further burnish his credentials as one of the ATP’s most consistent performers on hard courts.
With the final just around the corner, tennis fans around the world are bracing themselves for a clash that could deliver history, heartbreak, or perhaps a bit of both. One thing’s for sure—Dubai is once again the stage for some of the sport’s most compelling drama, and all eyes will be on Medvedev as he chases a milestone that’s eluded him for years. Stay tuned, because this story is far from over.