Daniil Medvedev at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 26, 2026.

Former champion Daniil Medvedev moved a step closer to defending his Dubai title after cruising into the semifinals  at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Medvedev faces Felix Auger-Aliassime on the Centre Court at 5pm on Friday (February 27). Third seed Medvedev needed just 57 minutes to defeat American Jenson Brooksby 6-2, 6-1 in one of the most one-sided quarterfinals of the week on Thursday (February 26). Playing under the afternoon sun at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Medvedev did not face a single break point. Two breaks secured the opening set before he surged through the second with aggressive baseline play. “I’m really happy with my level and feel I’m getting better and better every match,” Medvedev said. “I feel like I play well in Dubai. I like the court, it plays pretty fast, which is not so common on the Tour right now, so it feels great and I’m looking forward to the semis.” The 30-year-old is seeking to win back-to-back titles in Dubai, something he has never achieved at any tournament despite winning 22 career titles. Standing in his way is top seed Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Czech eighth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 7-6 (2). Auger-Aliassime hit 16 aces, won 83 per cent of points on his first serve, and saved both break points he faced on Thursday. “It was difficult with the shade and the wind at the start of the match,” he said. “The second set was a very high level. I had to dig deep in that tiebreak to stay sharp, stay precise, and then be clinical.” Auger-Aliassime leads Medvedev 2-7 in their head-to-head meetings but has not lost to him since the 2024 Australian Open. “He’s gotten the better of me many times,” Auger-Aliassime said. “He was No1 in the world, a Grand Slam champion. It’s not by accident. He’s one of the greatest players of our generation.” PIA/MFD/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page