DUBAI, 26 February 2026 – Former world number one Daniil Medvedev has surged into the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, continuing a dominant run of form that has seen him dismantle opponents with clinical efficiency. The 30-year-old Russian, currently ranked 11th in the world, secured his place in the final four today after a comprehensive victory over American Jenson Brooksby.
Dominant Display in Dubai
Medvedev’s performance in Dubai has been a masterclass in hard-court tennis. On Thursday, he required little time to dispatch Jenson Brooksby, winning 6-2, 6-1 in the quarter-finals. The victory follows a sentimental but ruthless second-round win on Wednesday against Stan Wawrinka. Medvedev defeated the 40-year-old Swiss veteran 6-2, 6-3 in what was Wawrinka’s final appearance in Dubai before his planned retirement at the end of the 2026 season.
Earlier in the tournament, Medvedev opened his campaign with a straight-sets victory over Shang Juncheng (6-4, 6-2). His current form in Dubai mirrors his strong start to the 2026 season, which included a title-winning run in Brisbane where he defeated Brandon Nakashima in the final.
Career Statistics and Profile
Since turning professional in 2014, Medvedev has established himself as one of the premier hard-court specialists of his generation. He reached the pinnacle of the sport in February 2022, becoming the first man outside the “Big Four” to hold the world number one ranking in nearly two decades.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 11 February 1996 |
| Age | 30 |
| Height | 6’6″ (198 cm) |
| Plays | Right-handed (Two-handed backhand) |
| Career High Rank | No. 1 (28 February 2022) |
| Career Titles | 22 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 1 (US Open 2021) |
| Career Win-Loss | 429 – 183 |
Recent Form and 2025 Retrospective
The 2026 season marks a significant resurgence for Medvedev following a turbulent 2025. Last year, he suffered a shock first-round exit at Wimbledon against Benjamin Bonzi and a highly publicised first-round defeat at the US Open, which resulted in a A$65,000 (US$42,500) fine for an on-court outburst. However, he ended an 882-day title drought in October 2025 by winning the Almaty Open, a victory that appears to have provided the momentum for his current success.
Medvedev has also been vocal about the sport’s structure recently. During the Dubai tournament, he called for a “dramatic change” to the ATP calendar, suggesting that the current scheduling is unsustainable for players’ long-term health—a sentiment that has gained significant traction among his peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Grand Slams has Daniil Medvedev won?
Daniil Medvedev has won one Grand Slam title, the 2021 US Open, where he famously defeated Novak Djokovic in the final to deny the Serb a calendar-year Grand Slam.
What is Daniil Medvedev’s current ranking?
As of February 2026, Medvedev is ranked world number 11, though his recent title in Brisbane and deep run in Dubai are expected to see him climb back toward the top 10.
Who did Medvedev beat to reach the Dubai 2026 semi-finals?
Medvedev defeated Shang Juncheng in the first round, Stan Wawrinka in the round of 16, and Jenson Brooksby in the quarter-finals.