Medvedev Secures Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Title Following Griekspoor Injury

Dubai, UAE – February 28, 2026 – Daniil Medvedev has been crowned champion of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after Tallon Griekspoor was forced to withdraw from the final due to a left hamstring injury sustained during his semi-final victory over Andrey Rublev on Friday.

Griekspoor’s Injury Leads to Walkover

Griekspoor suffered the injury while serving in his semi-final match against Rublev, completing the match in straight sets despite the discomfort. However, subsequent medical evaluation revealed the severity of the hamstring strain, rendering him unable to compete in the final. “I have been better, that’s for sure,” Griekspoor stated following the announcement. “Unfortunately, I hurt myself during the semi-finals. I went to the hospital this morning and had a couple of scans, which showed something serious. It kept me from coming on court tonight and will retain me from the court in the coming weeks.”

Medvedev’s Historic Win

This marks Medvedev’s 23rd career title and his second tournament win of the 2026 season, following his victory in Brisbane in January. Notably, this is the first time the 30-year-aged has won the same tournament twice, having previously won the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in 2023. Medvedev expressed his disappointment at the circumstances of the win, stating, “That’s what is crazy about it. I never did it in any city in the world, and the first time I do it, it’s [via] a walkover.”

Ranking Implications

Currently ranked No. 11 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, Medvedev is now just 45 points behind No. 10 Alexander Bublik as he aims to return to the Top 10, a position he last held in June of the previous year.

Medvedev’s Hard Court Dominance

With this victory, Medvedev now ties Jannik Sinner for the second-most hard-court titles among active players, with 21, trailing only Novak Djokovic who has 72.

Griekspoor’s Strong Tournament Run

Despite the unfortunate ending, Griekspoor enjoyed a successful tournament, defeating Top 20 players including Bublik, Jakub Mensik, and Rublev en route to the final. He had previously faced Medvedev in Dubai last year, saving four match points to reach the semi-finals.

Looking Ahead

Medvedev will next compete at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, where he has been a two-time finalist. He currently holds a 13-3 record for the 2026 season.