Medvedev claims second Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title as Griekspoor pulls out of ATP 500 Final
Dutchman ruled out after left hamstring medical assessment
DUBAI – Daniil Medvedev has been awarded his second Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title in four years after Tallon Griekspoor withdrew from Saturday’s ATP 500 Men’s Final due to injury.
The Dutchman, who sustained a left hamstring problem during his semi-final victory, was ruled unfit to compete following a medical assessment on Saturday afternoon.
The highly anticipated championship match at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium was therefore cancelled before a ball was struck, bringing an abrupt end to what had promised to be a compelling rematch between two in-form players.
Injury assessment
Griekspoor had battled through visible discomfort in Friday’s semi-final against Andrey Rublev, securing a 7-5, 7-6 (6) victory despite restricted movement. The World No. 25 required a medical timeout during the opening set and later admitted he struggled physically, particularly in extended rallies.
Medical evaluation on Saturday confirmed the left hamstring injury would prevent him from competing at the level required for an ATP 500 final. Tournament officials subsequently announced his withdrawal, officially awarding the title to Medvedev.
The Dutchman had been seeking the biggest title of his career and a second victory over Medvedev in Dubai, having defeated the Russian in a dramatic three-set quarter-final at the same event in 2025.
Second Dubai title
For Medvedev, the result secures a second Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships crown following his triumph in 2023. The former World No. 1 had earned his place in this year’s final with an authoritative 6-4, 6-2 win over top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals.
Ranked No. 11 in the world, the 30-year-old delivered a composed performance, converting the only break point of the opening set at 5-4 before tightening control in the second. His deep returning and consistent baseline play blunted Auger-Aliassime’s attempts to vary the tempo with drop shots and aggressive forehands.
The title also carries statistical significance. Of Medvedev’s previous 22 tour-level titles, each had come in a different city. Dubai now becomes the first venue where he has lifted the trophy twice.
Saturday’s final had been expected to provide a high-quality contest, particularly given last year’s dramatic meeting between the pair, when Griekspoor saved four match points to win 2-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5.
Instead, the 2026 edition concludes without a championship match, an unfortunate outcome for spectators anticipating a Centre Court showdown. The 5,000-seat stadium, which is set to undergo expansion works increasing capacity by 40 percent, will next host the tournament under significantly enhanced infrastructure.