Daniil Medvedev has reignited his quest for ATP glory by advancing to the final of the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle, Germany, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. In a thrilling and tightly contested semifinal match, Medvedev overcame German star Alexander Zverev with a scoreline of 7-6(3), 6-7(1), 6-4, marking his first final appearance in 15 months and extending his lead over Zverev to 13-7 in their head-to-head encounters.
The match, lasting nearly three hours, was a rollercoaster of momentum swings and high-pressure moments. Medvedev, seeded third and ranked No. 11 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, showed resilience and composure, especially after squandering three match points on Zverev’s serve at 5-6 in the second set. Despite the setback, Medvedev held his nerve to clinch the decider and secure a spot in Sunday’s final.
“I am happy with my level, I played great,” Medvedev reflected after the match. “I could have done much better when I had the break in the second but it is normal. The same happened in the third set that when I had the break, he started playing better, returning better. I am happy that in the third set I managed to stay more composed and managed to save those break points.”
The match began with intense exchanges, and at 4-4 in the opening set, Medvedev had to pause for treatment due to a nosebleed, adding an unexpected twist to the already charged atmosphere at the Owl Arena/Gerry-Weber-Stadion. The first set culminated in a tense tiebreak where Zverev faltered, committing four unforced errors that handed Medvedev the advantage.
Zverev, the second seed and No. 3 in the ATP rankings, was determined to fight back. Early in the second set, he faced a break but battled hard to claw his way back. His resilience shone through when he saved three match points on his serve at 5-6, including an audacious backhand winner down the line during a marathon 21-shot rally that forced a second set tiebreak. Zverev dominated the breaker to level the match, showcasing the fierce competitiveness that has made him a formidable opponent on grass.
However, Medvedev came out firing in the final set, breaking Zverev early and maintaining the upper hand. He struck 12 winners compared to Zverev’s six, according to Infosys ATP Stats, demonstrating a more aggressive and effective game plan. This marked Medvedev’s fourth consecutive victory over Zverev, a rivalry that has been closely watched since their last meeting in the 2024 Australian Open semifinals, where Medvedev triumphed in a grueling five-set battle.
Medvedev’s journey to the final has been impressive. He defeated Daniel Altmaier, Quentin Halys, and Alex Michelsen without dropping a set, signaling a return to form after a challenging stretch that saw him lose in five semifinals since his last final appearance in March 2024 at Indian Wells, where he was bested by Carlos Alcaraz. This run in Halle propels Medvedev back into the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Live Rankings starting Monday, June 23, 2025.
On the other side of the draw, Medvedev will face a familiar foe in Alexander Bublik, the 27-year-old Kazakh who has enjoyed a resurgence of his own. Bublik, who stunned World No. 1 Jannik Sinner earlier in the tournament, secured his spot in the final by defeating Russian Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a hard-fought semifinal. The 2023 Halle champion fired an impressive 18 aces in that match, underscoring his potent serve and aggressive style on grass.
Bublik’s return to the final marks his first since winning the title two years ago and his first final appearance since Dubai last February. This Sunday’s final will see him compete for his fifth tour-level title, adding significant intrigue to the matchup against Medvedev.
For Zverev, the loss is another tough chapter in his quest for a maiden grass-court tour-level title. Having reached the Halle final twice before, in 2017 and another occasion, the German star will have to wait longer to claim the crown on his favored surface. Despite his defeat, Zverev showed flashes of brilliance and grit, particularly in the second set, but ultimately fell short against a composed and strategic Medvedev.
The stage is now set for a compelling final on Sunday, June 22, 2025, where Medvedev aims to capture his 21st tour-level title and first since his Rome triumph in May 2023. His opponent, Bublik, will be looking to reclaim the Halle title and add another prestigious trophy to his collection.
This final not only highlights the resurgence of Medvedev but also underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the ATP Tour, where rising stars and seasoned veterans collide on the grass courts of Halle. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown as both players bring their best games to the net, each hungry for victory and eager to etch their names deeper into tennis history.