Medvedev sets up Dubai semi clash with Auger-Aliassime

DUBAI: Daniil Medvedev produced a clinical 6-2, 6-1 performance against Jenson Brooksby on Thursday to advance to his third Dubai semi-final and book a showdown with Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The former world number one boasts 22 career titles but has never won the same tournament twice. He is trying to change that this week in Dubai, where he lifted the trophy in 2023.

“I felt great. I know that maybe he had some issues, shoulder or elbow, I’m not sure, but his first serve was not going as probably he can usually do,” said Medvedev, who is seeking a second title of the season to go with the one he won in Brisbane.

“But you still need to play, you still need to put the returns in. He’s a big fighter…

“I’m happy with the way I’m playing here and I’m looking forward to the semis.”

In what was his second career meeting with Brooksby, two breaks of serve helped Medvedev scoop the opening set in just 28 minutes.

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The third-seeded Russian kept up his momentum in the second, breaking early and cruising towards victory in just 57 minutes.

Medvedev advanced to the 53rd hard-court semi-final of his career, trailing just Novak Djokovic among active players.

The 30-year-old former US Open champion will next take on top-seeded Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Czech eighth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 7-6 (7/2).

Auger-Aliassime, 25, punched his ticket to a second straight Dubai semi-final with a one hour, 52-minute victory over Lehecka.

The Canadian world number eight has made the quarter-finals or better at 10 of his last 11 tournaments, and has won 11 of the 12 matches he has contested this month – a stretch that includes a title run in Montpellier and a runner-up showing in Rotterdam.

“I think the serve was great. Because we played in two different conditions from the first set to the second,” said Auger-Aliassime, who hit 16 aces on Thursday.

“It was tough to get breaking chances and every time he came up with aces.”

Later Thursday, Andrey Rublev faces Arthur Rinderknech and Jakub Mensik takes on Tallon Griekspoor to see who will make up the other semi-final clash.