Daniil Medvedev wins Dubai Tennis Championships after Griekspoor withdraws injured
Daniil Medvedev lifted the trophy at the Dubai Tennis Championships after Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew from the final due to injury, handing the former world No. 1 an unusual victory in the ATP 500 event.
Tournament organizers confirmed that Griekspoor had been ruled unfit to compete following a medical evaluation, forcing the withdrawal shortly before the final was scheduled to take place in Dubai.
While the win secured Medvedev his second Dubai title, the Russian admitted the circumstances were far from ideal. “Not how I wanted to win a final,” Medvedev wrote on social media, adding that he hopes the injury “is not too bad” and wished Griekspoor a quick recovery.
Griekspoor injury ends breakthrough run
Griekspoor had been enjoying one of the strongest runs of his season before injury struck in the semifinals. The Dutchman injured his left hamstring during a hard-fought semifinal victory against Andrey Rublev, winning 7-5, 7-6 (8-6). After the match, Griekspoor admitted he might have retired if the contest had gone further.
Despite attempts to recover in time for the final, tournament medical staff later deemed him unable to compete, officially awarding the title to Medvedev via walkover.
Medvedev’s Rare Repeat Title
The victory marks a unique milestone in Medvedev’s career. Despite winning more than 20 ATP titles, the Dubai triumph is the first time he has won the same tournament twice. His previous victory at the event came in 2023.
“That’s what is crazy about it,” Medvedev said in comments published by the ATP Tour. “I never won twice in the same city before. And the first time it happens, it’s a walkover.”
Still, the Russian can take confidence from his performances throughout the week. Medvedev did not drop a set during the tournament, defeating four opponents on his way to the final.
Strong Form Heading Toward Indian Wells
The Dubai crown continues a strong stretch of form for the former US Open champion. Medvedev has now won two titles this season and three in the last four months, signaling a resurgence that could make him one of the most dangerous contenders on the ATP Tour heading into the North American hard-court swing.
His team is now working to finalize travel arrangements to the United States for the upcoming Indian Wells Open. Travel logistics have become complicated after the United Arab Emirates temporarily restricted parts of its airspace following regional military developments involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Several airlines serving the Middle East have cancelled or rerouted flights.
Doubles Final: Patten and Heliovaara Continue Winning Run
Earlier in the day, the men’s doubles title went to the pairing of Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara. The duo defeated Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 7-5, 7-5 to secure back-to-back titles in Dubai.
Patten and Heliovaara have now won three of the four tournaments they have played together this season, emerging as one of the most consistent doubles teams on the ATP circuit.
SportsLigue