Daniil Medvedev secured his spot in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships by defeating top-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. This marks the Russian player’s third appearance in the title match at this ATP 500 event, where he has yet to lose a set, having also beaten Shang Juncheng, Stan Wawrinka, and Jenson Brooksby en route to the final.
After capturing the Brisbane International earlier this year, Medvedev aims to claim his second title of 2026 and the 23rd ATP crown of his career. Following his win over Auger-Aliassime, the former world number one spoke candidly about his record in Grand Slam finals, reflecting on the challenges faced throughout his career.
Insights Into Medvedev’s Grand Slam Final Performances
Daniil Medvedev’s Grand Slam final record stands at one win and five losses, with his only major title coming at the 2021 US Open, where he defeated Novak Djokovic. His appearances in major finals include losses to Rafael Nadal at the 2019 US Open and 2022 Australian Open, to Novak Djokovic at the 2021 Australian Open and 2023 US Open, and to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 Australian Open final.
When asked during his post-match press conference how these losses have impacted him, Medvedev explained,
“I think it really depends the moment of your life when it happens. I basically lost five Grand Slam finals. It’s a bit of experience (smiling).”
He added,
“Some I lost were, like, honestly a boost of confidence to even play better after. I won some tournaments straight after losing the final. Some were a bit tougher, where for a different reason I kind of took it worse, like on myself, maybe a bit too hard on myself, et cetera.”
Talking about his mindset now, Medvedev said,
“Right now, to be really honestly, if you ask me to remember, I will start to remember some points from there, maybe some moments I could do better. In general, I really don’t care much. I don’t remember them because I’m very focused on I’m 11 in the world now, how do I get back into the top 10, how do I try to get back into these Grand Slam finals.”
He emphasized the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on past defeats:
“If I only think about the ones I lost, it will not lead me anywhere and I will have regrets. I have no regrets I feel like in my career. That’s it.”
I hope I can have more finals to discuss, if it’s a win or a loss. Hopefully, it can be a win.
— Daniil Medvedev, Professional Tennis Player
Medvedev’s Unique ATP Title Streak Faces Possible End in Dubai
An unusual aspect of Medvedev’s career is that each of his 22 ATP titles has been won in a different city, a feat that illustrates his adaptability across various venues. However, this streak might conclude at the Dubai final, where he previously claimed victory in 2023 after beating fellow Russian Andrey Rublev.
Regarding the possibility of winning a second title in the same city, Medvedev commented,
“It would be cool. It would not be something crazy. If it would be maybe US Open, that would be a bit crazy.”
He reflected on his tournament choices and surprising streak:
“Every tournament I play I try to win. I find it even very surprising that I never won somewhere twice because I kind of now, especially in my career, tend to repeat the tournaments. I start to know what tournaments I like. I just repeat them year in, year out.”
Despite his consistency, Medvedev is open to ending the streak:
“But I always said, look, I tried. Tomorrow I’ll try to make it two somewhere. I will not be disappointed if the streak ended.”
Just going to feel great to win the tournament. It’s not going to feel any more special. Just a bit fun to win, finally a second one somewhere.
— Daniil Medvedev, Professional Tennis Player
Looking Ahead: Medvedev’s Future Aspirations on the ATP Tour
As Daniil Medvedev prepares for the upcoming final in Dubai, his reflections reveal a player motivated by past experiences but focused firmly on improving his ranking and reaching more Grand Slam finals. His openness about handling setbacks and undiminished determination highlight the intensity and resilience he brings to the court.
Securing another ATP title in Dubai could mark a milestone by ending his unique pattern of winning trophies only once in each location. Beyond this, Medvedev’s unwavering drive to return to the top 10 and contend at the major finals underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence despite the frustration of previous losses.
