Medvedev Wins Dubai as Griekspoor Withdraws with Leg Injury

By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, February 28, 2026
Photo credit: Brisbane International Facebook

Daniil Medvedev is a repeat champion at last, winning his second Dubai title without striking a shot in the final.

Tallon Griekspoor, Medvedev’s scheduled opponent in today’s final, withdrew due to the left hamstring injury he sustained in his 7-5, 7-6(6) semifinal win over 2022 champion Andrey Rublev yesterday, ceding a walkover win to Medvedev today.

The Dutchman “was deemed unfit to play in the ATP 500 Men’s Final following a medical assessment,” tournament organizers said.

After waking up this morning with a limp, world No. 25 Griekspoor withdrew from the final making Medvedev a two-time Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships champion.

The 2023 Dubai champion Medvedev completed his quest to become a title two-timer claiming his 23rd career championship.

Before today’s walkover win, all 22 of Medvedev’s titles came at 22 different events. Dubai, one of Medvedev’s favorite events, is the first tournament he’s won twice.

“Yeah, I mean, of course unfortunate, but Tallon I could see yesterday that maybe he had an injury,” Medvedev said. “You never know how these injuries develop through the night. Sometimes they get easier and you can play, like with some soreness, and sometimes they get worse.

“I played a great tournament, the four matches I played. Of course, I wanted to play the final, but it is what it is. I played unbelievable level yesterday. I would in a way take it as a final for me, happy to win the tournament.”

A masterful Medvedev dissected Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-2 in Friday’s semifinals to advance to his 42nd Tour-level final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

It was Medvedev’s first Top 10 win since he defeated No. 7 Alex de Minaur at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai in October.

It is Medvedev’s second title of the season following his victory in last month’s Brisbane International.