Daniil Medvedev hasn't played since the Australian Open final, but he's back at the Dubai Championships to try and defend his trophy from last year.
The Russian went through mayhem last year in the Middle East, winning both the Qatar Open and the Dubai Championships. He won the Rotterdam Open earlier in the month as well, which was just a crazy run from him.
It only ended at the Indian Wells Open, where he stood in the final, too, but Carlos Alcaraz was better. This year went a bit differently. He played amazingly well in Melbourne, reaching the final but also losing a 2-0 lead against Jannik Sinner.
It was the second time the Russian lost a 2-0 lead in a Melbourne final, which was unfortunate. He took a break after that and is now back to take on former compatriot Alexander Shevchenko, who turned Kazkhstani in the meantime.
Head-to-head:
The two met in Madrid last year and it is the only time they played against each other. Likely, as ethnic Russians, they know each other rather well. Medvedev is a bit older, but Shevchenko is a known commodity on the ATP Tour.
There shouldn't be any surprises here, which greatly benefits Medvedev. He's seen his opponent up close. He knows how he plays, and I think he'll continue his great run this year also in the opening match in Dubai.
| Daniil Medvedev | Alexander Shevchenko | |
| 1 | H2H | 0 |
| 4 | Rank | 45 |
| 28 | Age | 23 |
| 6-1 | 2024 W/L | 7-6 |
| 339-137 | Career W/L | 23-26 |
Prediction:
Medvedev has been amazing this year and won this event last year, so I don't really think he'll be too rusty. He might struggle for a one set, but fairly quickly, I expect him to really find his stride and dominate from there.
Prediction: Daniil Medvedev to win in two sets.
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