Medvedev begins Dubai title defence with Shevchenko win, Humbert sets up Murray date

Daniil Medvedev opened his Dubai Open title defence with a 6-3 7-5 win over Alexander Shevchenko, while Ugo Humbert set a second round date with Andy Murray.

The Russian, aiming to successfully defend an ATP title for the first time in his career, will face Lorenzo Sonego or wild card Sumit Nagal in the last 16.

Medevedev is bouncing back after suffering a foot injury in the wake of his Melbourne run, and was happy with his performance.

“When you take a week or two off, but it’s something you planned, then it’s kind of easy tennis-wise, just a couple of points or games to get back,” said Medvedev,

“I did take a week and a half off by myself and then when I came back I started feeling pain here and there, not practising 100%.

“It’s very tricky, because when you come into a match you have to forget about it, because when you think about something other than tennis you are going to lose the match.

“I managed to do it, I didn’t feel any pain and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Medvedev pushed in an 11-minute game three but couldn’t take his break point chance.

He didn’t need to wait much longer, though, breaking in each of the Kazakhstani’s next two service games, the first thanks to back-to-back double faults and the second with a wicked return.

Shevchenko received treatment at the change of ends on his strapped-up right elbow but returned to the court determined, with a whipped passing shot earning him the break-back as Medvedev served for the set.

However, the Russian ensured matters wouldn’t be dragged out any further as he immediately earned a third break to conclude the opener.

After a couple of strong holds apiece, the first chance of the second set fell Shevchenko’s way as he earned two break points, seizing the second.

The world No. 47 remained rock solid on serve, losing just one point in the next two games and hitting three aces in a row as he took a 5-4 lead to earn the chance to serve for the set.

But Medvedev typically wouldn’t go down without a fight and landed a superb forehand winner on the line for three break points, pouncing on the second to level things up.

The momentum thus swung in his favour, the top seed held before setting up two match points as Shevchenko fought to stay in the match, taking the second to clinch victory in one hour and 28 minutes.

Former world No. 1 Murray discovered his second-round opponent as fifth seed Humbert overcame fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils.

Murray holds a 2-0 record against Humbert from their meetings in Antwerp in 2019 and Metz in 2021, but the world No. 18 has started the season strongly and won his fifth career title in Marseille earlier this month.

Christopher O’Connell saw off Maximilian Marterer in straight sets to earn a crack at third seed Hubert Hurkacz, and the winner of that tie will face Murray or Humbert in the quarter-finals.

Fourth seed Karen Khachanov brushed past Luca Van Assche 6-2 6-3 to set a date against Jiri Lehecka, who defeated Marton Fucsovics in three sets, while Alejandro Davidovich Fokina beat Fabian Maroszan in three and will face Jakub Mensik next.

Qualifier Arthur Cazaux ousted Lorenzo Musetti to set up a tie with No. 2 seed Andrey Rublev.

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Best in the world, but is Alcaraz favourite for the French Open?

There was an amusing exchange after Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Madrid Open semi-final when the red-hot 19-year-old was asked who the best player in the world is.

“Well, Djokovic, because he’s No. 1,” was Alcaraz’s answer.

Pressed again on who is the best player in the world at this moment, Alcaraz said: “I’m not going to tell you that. The one that I know, I’m not going to tell you. I was able to beat No. 1, but still I’m ranked No. 9. I still have eight players in front of me to be No. 1.”

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Eight is now down to five after Alcaraz won his second Masters title in Madrid. And any debate over his current standing in the men’s game seems less challenging to answer.

“Right now you are the best player in the world,” said Zverev after getting outplayed by Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.
Since losing his opener in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz, 19, has won 10 matches in a row to secure titles in Barcelona and Madrid. Even though he beat both Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid, his demolition of Zverev was arguably Alcaraz’s most impressive performance. Zverev, who blasted the ATP afterwards for “disgraceful” scheduling that left him short of sleep, has won Madrid twice, including last year, and had never lost on the main court. He was completely outplayed by Alcaraz in a one-sided 62-minute final.

The stats behind Alcaraz’s stunning season are incredible:

  • Youngest player to beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
  • First player to beat Nadal and Djokovic in same clay event
  • Youngest top-10 player since Nadal in 2005
  • Youngest top-20 player since Andrei Medvedev in 1993
  • Second-youngest player to win two Masters titles (Nadal, 18, in 2005)
  • Youngest player to win five titles since Nadal in 2004-05
  • Youngest player since 1990 to beat three top-five players at same event
  • A 5-0 record in finals

Has Alcaraz elevated himself into favourite for the French Open?

There’s little to count against him, except he hasn’t yet done it at a Grand Slam. He’s won some long matches on the ATP Tour, including the two longest this year, but two-week majors with potential five-set battles against Nadal and Djokovic are another challenge. Alcaraz has only played in the main draw at five Grand Slams and has only made it past the third round once. Few players have won a major at the sixth attempt, although Nadal did so at the French Open in 2005.

What’s so impressive about Alcaraz is that his game already seems to have it all. When he started making waves last year his raw power and attacking approach stood out. Add to that arguably the best drop shot on tour, quick movement around the court, a strong net game, and a smart mind, and you have a seriously good player. The power is there still – against Nadal and Djokovic he hit a combined 88 winners compared to 34 from his opponents – but Alcaraz is also thinking more about how to win points. He caused Djokovic big problems with his kick serve and was hugely successful when serve and volleying in Madrid, winning 17 of 18 points. He also has the hunger to continue to get better.

Zverev takes aim at ATP scheduling following loss to Alcaraz in Madrid Open final

“I think that I have to improve everything still. I have always said that you can improve everything. You never reach a limit,” he said after winning in Madrid.

“Look at Rafa, Djokovic, [Roger] Federer, all of them improve and they have things to improve. That’s why they are so good, and that’s why they are so much [of the] time up there, because they don’t stop. They keep on working and improving.

“That’s what I want to do. I want to keep on progressing. I have really good shots. I don’t say that I don’t have them, but I know that I can improve them and they can be even better.”

Just as players have had to work out ways to try and beat Nadal and Djokovic in the past, now the two greats will have to study how they can conquer Alcaraz. Neither will be sitting still after Madrid.

Nadal and Djokovic are set to play this week in Rome, where either one or both of them have reached the final every year since 2005, while Alcaraz will be taking a week off as he prepares for the French Open. Nadal will take encouragement from the fact he pushed Alcaraz close in Madrid, even though he is working his way back from a rib injury and the quicker conditions do not suit his game as much as in Rome and Paris. Djokovic looks to be building momentum and produced his best performances of the season before going down to Alcaraz in three sets. Had he converted more than just one of six break-point chances against the 19-year-old then the final result might have been different.

Whether Alcaraz is the favourite for the French Open, his stunning rise represents a serious threat to Djokovic and Nadal as they try to sweep up more Grand Slam titles. Nadal said it’s “obvious” there is now a changing of the guard after losing to his fellow Spaniard, and Alcaraz might soon move above Daniil Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas as the biggest rival to Djokovic and Nadal at majors. It will be fascinating to see whether world No. 2 Medvedev, who is returning from injury next week in Geneva, Tsitsipas, who is 0-3 against Alcaraz, and Zverev, who not that long ago was being talked about as a member of the new ‘Big Three’, can counter.

All three have question marks ahead of the French Open, while Alcaraz is bursting with confidence.

“I think I’m ready to win a Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz after winning Madrid. “I think I’m ready to go for it. It’s a goal for me this year, to try to get my first Grand Slam. I’m going to work for it, let’s see what’s going to happen at Roland-Garros.”

Last year Alcaraz became the youngest player since Djokovic in 2005 to win a match at the French Open, and the youngest player to reach the third round since 1992. If he wins in Paris this year he would be the first male teenager to lift a Grand Slam title since Nadal won the French Open in 2005.

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Best in the world, but is Alcaraz favourite for the French Open?

There was an amusing exchange after Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Madrid Open semi-final when the red-hot 19-year-old was asked who the best player in the world is.

“Well, Djokovic, because he’s No. 1,” was Alcaraz’s answer.

Pressed again on who is the best player in the world at this moment, Alcaraz said: “I’m not going to tell you that. The one that I know, I’m not going to tell you. I was able to beat No. 1, but still I’m ranked No. 9. I still have eight players in front of me to be No. 1.”

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Eight is now down to five after Alcaraz won his second Masters title in Madrid. And any debate over his current standing in the men’s game seems less challenging to answer.

“Right now you are the best player in the world,” said Zverev after getting outplayed by Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.
Since losing his opener in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz, 19, has won 10 matches in a row to secure titles in Barcelona and Madrid. Even though he beat both Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid, his demolition of Zverev was arguably Alcaraz’s most impressive performance. Zverev, who blasted the ATP afterwards for “disgraceful” scheduling that left him short of sleep, has won Madrid twice, including last year, and had never lost on the main court. He was completely outplayed by Alcaraz in a one-sided 62-minute final.

The stats behind Alcaraz’s stunning season are incredible:

  • Youngest player to beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
  • First player to beat Nadal and Djokovic in same clay event
  • Youngest top-10 player since Nadal in 2005
  • Youngest top-20 player since Andrei Medvedev in 1993
  • Second-youngest player to win two Masters titles (Nadal, 18, in 2005)
  • Youngest player to win five titles since Nadal in 2004-05
  • Youngest player since 1990 to beat three top-five players at same event
  • A 5-0 record in finals

Has Alcaraz elevated himself into favourite for the French Open?

There’s little to count against him, except he hasn’t yet done it at a Grand Slam. He’s won some long matches on the ATP Tour, including the two longest this year, but two-week majors with potential five-set battles against Nadal and Djokovic are another challenge. Alcaraz has only played in the main draw at five Grand Slams and has only made it past the third round once. Few players have won a major at the sixth attempt, although Nadal did so at the French Open in 2005.

What’s so impressive about Alcaraz is that his game already seems to have it all. When he started making waves last year his raw power and attacking approach stood out. Add to that arguably the best drop shot on tour, quick movement around the court, a strong net game, and a smart mind, and you have a seriously good player. The power is there still – against Nadal and Djokovic he hit a combined 88 winners compared to 34 from his opponents – but Alcaraz is also thinking more about how to win points. He caused Djokovic big problems with his kick serve and was hugely successful when serve and volleying in Madrid, winning 17 of 18 points. He also has the hunger to continue to get better.

Zverev takes aim at ATP scheduling following loss to Alcaraz in Madrid Open final

“I think that I have to improve everything still. I have always said that you can improve everything. You never reach a limit,” he said after winning in Madrid.

“Look at Rafa, Djokovic, [Roger] Federer, all of them improve and they have things to improve. That’s why they are so good, and that’s why they are so much [of the] time up there, because they don’t stop. They keep on working and improving.

“That’s what I want to do. I want to keep on progressing. I have really good shots. I don’t say that I don’t have them, but I know that I can improve them and they can be even better.”

Just as players have had to work out ways to try and beat Nadal and Djokovic in the past, now the two greats will have to study how they can conquer Alcaraz. Neither will be sitting still after Madrid.

Nadal and Djokovic are set to play this week in Rome, where either one or both of them have reached the final every year since 2005, while Alcaraz will be taking a week off as he prepares for the French Open. Nadal will take encouragement from the fact he pushed Alcaraz close in Madrid, even though he is working his way back from a rib injury and the quicker conditions do not suit his game as much as in Rome and Paris. Djokovic looks to be building momentum and produced his best performances of the season before going down to Alcaraz in three sets. Had he converted more than just one of six break-point chances against the 19-year-old then the final result might have been different.

Whether Alcaraz is the favourite for the French Open, his stunning rise represents a serious threat to Djokovic and Nadal as they try to sweep up more Grand Slam titles. Nadal said it’s “obvious” there is now a changing of the guard after losing to his fellow Spaniard, and Alcaraz might soon move above Daniil Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas as the biggest rival to Djokovic and Nadal at majors. It will be fascinating to see whether world No. 2 Medvedev, who is returning from injury next week in Geneva, Tsitsipas, who is 0-3 against Alcaraz, and Zverev, who not that long ago was being talked about as a member of the new ‘Big Three’, can counter.

All three have question marks ahead of the French Open, while Alcaraz is bursting with confidence.

“I think I’m ready to win a Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz after winning Madrid. “I think I’m ready to go for it. It’s a goal for me this year, to try to get my first Grand Slam. I’m going to work for it, let’s see what’s going to happen at Roland-Garros.”

Last year Alcaraz became the youngest player since Djokovic in 2005 to win a match at the French Open, and the youngest player to reach the third round since 1992. If he wins in Paris this year he would be the first male teenager to lift a Grand Slam title since Nadal won the French Open in 2005.

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‘Comeback On Track!’: Medvedev To Play Geneva

© Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Daniil Medvedev is a 13-time titlist on the ATP Tour.

ATP 250 event in Switzerland will be held from 14-21 May

Daniil Medvedev’s initial schedule on his return from a hernia procedure will include the Gonet Geneva Open, the ATP 250 event announced on Friday.

“Comeback on track!”, wrote the 26-year-old on Twitter in response to the announcement of his wild card. Medvedev will be making his debut at the Swiss tournament, which runs from 14-21 May at the Tennis Club de Geneve.

The World No. 2 last played at the Miami Open presented by Itau in March, where he reached the quarter-finals before falling to Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev is yet to pick up a title in 2022 but has nonetheless enjoyed a strong start to the year that saw him reach No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time on 28 February. He reached a fourth Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, with a run to the semi-finals in Acapulco also contributing to his 16-5 match record for the season so far.

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‘Comeback On Track!’: Medvedev To Play Geneva

© Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Daniil Medvedev is a 13-time titlist on the ATP Tour.

ATP 250 event in Switzerland will be held from 14-21 May

Daniil Medvedev’s initial schedule on his return from a hernia procedure will include the Gonet Geneva Open, the ATP 250 event announced on Friday.

“Comeback on track!”, wrote the 26-year-old on Twitter in response to the announcement of his wild card. Medvedev will be making his debut at the Swiss tournament, which runs from 14-21 May at the Tennis Club de Geneve.

The World No. 2 last played at the Miami Open presented by Itau in March, where he reached the quarter-finals before falling to Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev is yet to pick up a title in 2022 but has nonetheless enjoyed a strong start to the year that saw him reach No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time on 28 February. He reached a fourth Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, with a run to the semi-finals in Acapulco also contributing to his 16-5 match record for the season so far.

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‘Comeback On Track!’: Medvedev To Play Geneva

© Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Daniil Medvedev is a 13-time titlist on the ATP Tour.

ATP 250 event in Switzerland will be held from 14-21 May

Daniil Medvedev’s initial schedule on his return from a hernia procedure will include the Gonet Geneva Open, the ATP 250 event announced on Friday.

“Comeback on track!”, wrote the 26-year-old on Twitter in response to the announcement of his wild card. Medvedev will be making his debut at the Swiss tournament, which runs from 14-21 May at the Tennis Club de Geneve.

The World No. 2 last played at the Miami Open presented by Itau in March, where he reached the quarter-finals before falling to Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev is yet to pick up a title in 2022 but has nonetheless enjoyed a strong start to the year that saw him reach No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time on 28 February. He reached a fourth Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, with a run to the semi-finals in Acapulco also contributing to his 16-5 match record for the season so far.

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‘Comeback On Track!’: Medvedev To Play Geneva

© Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Daniil Medvedev is a 13-time titlist on the ATP Tour.

ATP 250 event in Switzerland will be held from 14-21 May

Daniil Medvedev’s initial schedule on his return from a hernia procedure will include the Gonet Geneva Open, the ATP 250 event announced on Friday.

“Comeback on track!”, wrote the 26-year-old on Twitter in response to the announcement of his wild card. Medvedev will be making his debut at the Swiss tournament, which runs from 14-21 May at the Tennis Club de Geneve.

The World No. 2 last played at the Miami Open presented by Itau in March, where he reached the quarter-finals before falling to Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev is yet to pick up a title in 2022 but has nonetheless enjoyed a strong start to the year that saw him reach No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time on 28 February. He reached a fourth Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, with a run to the semi-finals in Acapulco also contributing to his 16-5 match record for the season so far.

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‘Comeback On Track!’: Medvedev To Play Geneva

© Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Daniil Medvedev is a 13-time titlist on the ATP Tour.

ATP 250 event in Switzerland will be held from 14-21 May

Daniil Medvedev’s initial schedule on his return from a hernia procedure will include the Gonet Geneva Open, the ATP 250 event announced on Friday.

“Comeback on track!”, wrote the 26-year-old on Twitter in response to the announcement of his wild card. Medvedev will be making his debut at the Swiss tournament, which runs from 14-21 May at the Tennis Club de Geneve.

The World No. 2 last played at the Miami Open presented by Itau in March, where he reached the quarter-finals before falling to Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev is yet to pick up a title in 2022 but has nonetheless enjoyed a strong start to the year that saw him reach No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time on 28 February. He reached a fourth Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, with a run to the semi-finals in Acapulco also contributing to his 16-5 match record for the season so far.

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‘Comeback On Track!’: Medvedev To Play Geneva

© Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Daniil Medvedev is a 13-time titlist on the ATP Tour.

ATP 250 event in Switzerland will be held from 14-21 May

Daniil Medvedev’s initial schedule on his return from a hernia procedure will include the Gonet Geneva Open, the ATP 250 event announced on Friday.

“Comeback on track!”, wrote the 26-year-old on Twitter in response to the announcement of his wild card. Medvedev will be making his debut at the Swiss tournament, which runs from 14-21 May at the Tennis Club de Geneve.

The World No. 2 last played at the Miami Open presented by Itau in March, where he reached the quarter-finals before falling to Hubert Hurkacz at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Medvedev is yet to pick up a title in 2022 but has nonetheless enjoyed a strong start to the year that saw him reach No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time on 28 February. He reached a fourth Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in January, with a run to the semi-finals in Acapulco also contributing to his 16-5 match record for the season so far.

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