medvedev lifts dubai trophy after griekspoor's late withdrawal
Dubai, zaterdag, 28 februari 2026.
daniil medvedev claimed the dubai tennis championship saturday without playing a ball. tallon griekspoor withdrew minutes before the final due to a torn left hamstring. the injury occurred during griekspoor’s grueling semi-final victory over andrey rublev. medvedev’s 23rd atp title marks his first time winning the same tournament twice. remarkably he now shares second place with jannik sinner for most hard-court titles among active players just behind novak djokovic. the empty centre court stood as proof of a final that never happened under tense skies.
medvedev crowned dubai champion via walkover
Daniil Medvedev secured the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships title after Tallon Griekspoor withdrew moments before the final due to a left hamstring tear [1]. The injury occurred during Griekspoor’s semi-final victory over Andrey Rublev, a match he finished despite visible discomfort [2]. As defending finalist, Griekspoor aimed for his fourth ATP title but was ruled out following medical scans confirming the severity [3]. Medvedev, who did not play the final, claimed his 23rd ATP Tour title and first successful title defense at a single tournament [4].
griekspoor’s path ends in semifinal pain
Tallon Griekspoor advanced to the Dubai final after defeating Andrey Rublev 6-4, 7-6(3) in the semi-finals, but limped through the closing stages [1]. He revealed post-match that he considered retiring mid-match if the second set had extended further [5]. Medical imaging conducted on the morning of the final confirmed a significant hamstring injury, necessitating immediate treatment and sidelining him for several weeks [2]. His withdrawal marked the first ATP Tour singles final decided by walkover since 2017 [4].
medvedev makes history amid unusual circumstances
With the victory, Daniil Medvedev captured his second Dubai crown, having previously triumphed in 2023 [4]. This milestone represents his first time winning the same ATP event twice [3]. The Russian now holds 21 hard-court titles, tying Jannik Sinner for second-most among active players behind Novak Djokovic’s 72 [1]. Despite the anticlimactic finish, Medvedev expressed disappointment over the manner of victory, stating he preferred a competitive final [5]. His position rose to No. 11 in the ATP Live Rankings, placing him 45 points ahead of Alexander Bublik [1].
final overshadowed by regional tensions
The scheduled final coincided with heightened geopolitical tension as Iranian ballistic missiles targeted American military installations across the Gulf region [2]. Projectiles were detected near Dubai and Abu Dhabi, resulting in temporary airspace closures and flight cancellations throughout the UAE [3]. While the men’s singles final was cancelled due to Griekspoor’s injury, the doubles final proceeded later that evening under tightened security protocols [2]. Players and officials praised local authorities for swift coordination amidst rapidly evolving conditions [3].