Dubai – Daniil Medvedev secured his 23rd career title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday, but the victory came in an unusual fashion. Tallon Griekspoor, his opponent in the final, was forced to withdraw due to a left hamstring injury sustained during his semi-final win over Andrey Rublev, handing Medvedev the championship by walkover. This Daniil Medvedev wins without fighting marks a significant moment for the Russian player, as it’s the first time he’s won the same tournament twice, having previously triumphed in Dubai in 2023.
The unfortunate turn of events unfolded after Griekspoor suffered the injury while serving against Rublev on Friday. Despite completing the match and securing the win, subsequent scans revealed a serious hamstring issue, preventing him from competing in the final. “I have been better, that’s for sure,” Griekspoor said during the trophy ceremony. “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 keep me from the court in the coming weeks.”
Medvedev’s win in Dubai also carries ranking implications. Currently at No. 11 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, he is now just 45 points behind No. 10 Alexander Bublik as he continues his climb back into the Top 10, a position he last held in June of last year. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, an ATP 500 event, took place from February 23 to 28, following the women’s tournament from February 15 to 21. The Aviation Club Tennis Centre in Dubai served as the venue for both competitions.
A First for Medvedev: Back-to-Back in Dubai
While Medvedev is a seasoned champion with titles across the globe, this Dubai victory is particularly noteworthy. “That’s what is crazy about it,” Medvedev remarked. “I never did it in any city in the world, and the first time I do it, it’s [via] a walkover.” The 30-year-classic’s previous triumph in Dubai was in 2023, and this latest win solidifies his connection with the tournament and its fans. This men’s tennis achievement comes on the heels of his victory in Brisbane in January, making it a strong start to the 2026 season for the Russian star.
The tournament also saw success for other players. Jessica Pegula claimed the women’s singles title, defeating Elina Svitolina 6–2, 6–4. In men’s doubles, Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten emerged victorious, besting Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić 7–5, 7–5. Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani won the women’s doubles title.
Griekspoor’s Injury and the Road Ahead
Tallon Griekspoor’s injury casts a shadow over his impressive run in Dubai. The Dutch player had demonstrated strong form throughout the tournament, culminating in a hard-fought semi-final victory against Rublev. Although, the hamstring injury proved too severe to overcome. The extent of his recovery period remains uncertain, but Griekspoor indicated he will be sidelined for “the coming weeks.” This injury impacts his participation in upcoming tournaments and his overall ranking progression. The ATP Tour shared an image of Medvedev receiving the trophy, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the win.
An unfortunate end to the tournament 🙏@DaniilMedwed claims the Dubai title after Tallon Griekspoor is forced to withdraw due to injury@DDFTennis | #ddftennis
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 28, 2026
Dubai Championships: A Look at the Event
The 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, featured a total prize pool of $3,311,005 for the men’s tournament and $4,088,211 for the women’s tournament. The event, in its 34th edition for men and 26th for women, attracted top players from around the world, showcasing high-level competition on the hard courts of the Aviation Club Tennis Centre. The tournament’s popularity and prestige continue to grow, making it a key stop on both the ATP and WTA Tours. The event’s structure included 32 singles players, 16 doubles teams, and 16 qualifying players for the men’s draw, and 56 singles players, 28 doubles teams, and 32 qualifying players for the women’s draw.
The tournament’s success is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships have become a staple in the sporting calendar, attracting both fans and players alike. The event provides a platform for showcasing talent and fostering a love for the game of tennis. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships continues to be a significant event in the world of professional tennis, drawing attention from fans and media globally.
Looking ahead, Medvedev will likely focus on preparing for the upcoming hard-court swing, aiming to build on his momentum and further climb the rankings. The ATP Tour schedule continues with a series of tournaments leading up to the Grand Slam events, providing ample opportunities for players to compete and improve their standings. Griekspoor’s recovery will be closely monitored, with fans hoping to see him return to the court as soon as possible. The next confirmed event for Medvedev is currently unconfirmed, but details will be released on the ATP Tour website.
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