Daniil Medvedev suffered a shocking defeat at the Dubai Championships on Thursday, failing to convert four match points in a tense quarterfinal against Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor.
The Dutch player, ranked 47th globally, secured victory with scoreline of 2-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5, while the world number six Medvedev lost his composure.
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The 2023 Dubai champion received an official warning for unsportsmanlike conduct after missing match-point opportunities in the second set.
In his growing frustration, Medvedev confronted umpire Adel Nour, suggesting discriminatory treatment towards Russian players.
Nour responded firmly to Medvedev, asserting his impartial treatment of all players regardless of their national origin, and dismissed the top seed’s objections.
Griekspoor maintained his composure throughout the final set, ultimately securing the win on his fourth match point.
Medvedev declined to participate in the customary post-match handshake with Nour.
Griekspoor, aged 28, who had previously survived three match points against Roman Safiullin in the opening round and subsequently defeated title holder Ugo Humbert, will now face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-final match.
“I’m super happy with this win,” said Griekspoor.
“Daniil is an unbelievable player, an unbelievable competitor. He’s been at the top of the rankings for so many years, so I’m very pleased with this win.
“I was a little bit lucky on the match points down, and in the second-set tie-break. I even needed a few match points myself to finish this one off.”
Meanwhile, fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to his first semi-final appearance since July 2023, securing a hard-fought victory over Italian opponent Matteo Berrettini with scores of 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 6-4.
Also, Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada secured his fifteenth victory of the year, which leads the ATP Tour. He defeated former US Open champion Marin Cilic with scores of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, advancing to his fourth semi-final appearance in 2025.
Auger-Aliassime’s next opponent will be French qualifier Quentin Halys, who mounted a comeback after trailing by a set and a break to defeat Italian lucky loser Luca Nardi 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5).
