Almaty
Daniil defeats his demons with first title defence
Daniil Medvedev conquered his personal demons as he defended an ATP title for the first time on Sunday with a 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-3 Almaty Open win over Nicoloz Basilashvili.
The trophy in Kazakhstan marked the fourth this season for ATP Finals candidate Medvedev and the 25th of his career.
Despite seasons of success, the former world No. 1 had never managed to repeat a finals victory at the same venue.
“I knew it was just a matter of time, luck, the moment,” he said before heading to the Vienna event.
“I was feeling fresh this week, I’m happy to win here again.”
The 30-year-old world No. 5 maintained his Tour lead with the most hardcourt title this season after claiming his 38th in just under two hours against his Georgian opponent, aged 38 who came through qualifying to reach the title match
He has now won eight straight matches in Almaty.
Medvedev was forced to play catch-up after dropping the opening set but kept his comeback confidence high.
“I knew (winning) would not be easy but I had my chances in the first set and the tiebreaker.
“I thought I would be able to turn it around and I’m happy to win, of course.”
Main photo:- Daniil Medvedev with Almaty trophy in Kazakhstan – by ATPTour.com
Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he felt conflicted as he crushed home wild card Mikhail Kukushkin 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday to send the veteran Kazakh into retirement at the ATP Almaty Open.
The Greek winner needed just 61 minutes to overpower the veteran who until this week had last played an ATP-level match in January, 2025.
Tsitsipas needed four match points to advance to the quarter-finals where Australian James Duckworth awaits on Friday.
The post-match scene on court was emotional, with Tsitsipas requesting and receiving a shirt signed by his beaten rival.
“It’s a very eerie feeling to play someone in their last career match,” Tsitsipas said. “I don’t want to be in that situation too often.
“It hits you hard and you feel more sympathy for the opponent than in the usual match.
“It’s difficult taking victory know it is the last few points of the other guy’s career. But today it’s all about him, it’s his moment.”
The winner said he has been keeping an eye on his next opponent. “He can play a big game on this surface. I hope to be fit and healthy and bring my “A” game.”
Tsitsipas advanced with 20 winners and 14 unforced errors.
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