Daniil Medvedev has emerged victorious at the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, but his triumph is overshadowed by travel disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Russian secured the title after his opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, was forced to withdraw from the final due to a left hamstring injury.

Return to Form for Medvedev

This victory marks Medvedev’s first tournament win since Almaty in October 2025, ending a two-year period without a major tournament success. Throughout the tournament, Medvedev demonstrated dominant form, not dropping a single set in his four matches.

Medvedev’s path to the final included victories over Stan Wawrinka and Félix Auger-Aliassime. He recorded 74% first serves against Wawrinka and won 88% of points after his first service against Auger-Aliassime.

“We knew before the week started, the way I trained, that I couldn’t miss a ball. So we knew it was going to be a great week,”

Daniil Medvedev

Travel Uncertainty Looms

Despite his on-court success, Medvedev, along with several other players including Andrey Rublev and Tallon Griekspoor, are currently stranded in Dubai due to the closure of UAE airspace. This closure is a result of the escalating conflict in the region.

The players now face uncertainty regarding their participation in the upcoming Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament in California.

“No one knows when we will be able to take off. It is not clear whether it will last long or not. We are just waiting to see what happens in the next hours and days.”

Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev remains optimistic, stating, It might sound strange, I am very emotional on court but it might have helped me to be more emotional in life at times. For me, everything is normal, let’s say natural.

Here’s the first time Medvedev has won the Dubai tournament twice.