Dubai, February 28, 2026 – The Europe Today: World No. 25 Tallon Griekspoor advanced to the final of the 34th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (ATP 500), setting up a title clash with Russia’s Daniil Medvedev.
Griekspoor secured his place in the final after defeating Russia’s Andrey Rublev, the 2022 Dubai champion and current world No. 18, in straight sets, 7-5, 7-6, during a semi-final that lasted one hour and 45 minutes on Friday evening.
The victory marked Griekspoor’s first win over Rublev following three previous defeats and made him the first Dutch player in tournament history to reach the Dubai final.
Medvedev Eyes Second Dubai Crown
In the other semi-final, Medvedev, ranked world No. 11 and seeded third in the tournament, progressed with a commanding straight-sets win over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, the top seed and world No. 8. Medvedev sealed the match 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 24 minutes.
The 2023 Dubai champion is aiming to lift the trophy for a second time. A victory in the final would mark the first successful title defence of his career, as his 22 previous ATP titles have been won at 22 different tournaments, with none retained.
Revenge Subplot Adds Intrigue
Saturday’s final carries added intrigue, as Griekspoor defeated Medvedev in the quarter-finals of last year’s edition in three sets. The upcoming encounter offers the Russian an opportunity for revenge, while the Dutchman seeks to capture the biggest title of his career.
The final promises a compelling showdown between two in-form players, with history and momentum adding extra stakes to the ATP 500 championship decider in Dubai.
