Medvedev Ends Djokovic Run to Book Dubai Final With Rublev

Daniil Medvedev handed Novak Djokovic his first defeat of the year, beating the world number one 6–4 6–4 on Friday to reach the Dubai Tennis Championships final where he plays holder Andrey Rublev for a third title in as many weeks.

The contest was one where players were putting their early season wins on the line. Medvedev, the Rotterdam and Doha champions broke Djokovic twice. He then closed the first set with an imposing forehand.

Djokovic played in the first tournament since his victories at the Adelaide and Australian Opens titles. He has not been disappointed, with one exception: his match against Tomas Machac.

The 35-year-old had his moments and looked the better player after going down 2–5 in the opening set but he dropped his serve again early in the second after hitting a return long.

It was the opening Medvedev could have only dreamed of in his bid to claim a fifth win over Djokovic in 14 matches and the Russian pounced for a 4–2 lead after some high-octane tennis.

Medvedev was a U.S. Open winner who grew stronger with an ace to secure a key hold, and won his 13th consecutive victory.