Medvedev breaks his record with Dubai walkover win

Daniil Medvedev finally backed up a career ATP title on Saturday as he took an injury walkover against Tallon Griekspoor to win the Dubai final.

The anticlimactic result came just hours after airports in the Gulf region were shut down due to American and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, and resulting missile counter attacks in neighboring Gulf nations.

Medvedev had been due to fly to Los Angeles early Sunday morning to prepare for the mid-week start of play at Indian Wells.

Dutchman Griekspoor withdrew from the Saturday evening final due to a leg injury he suffered in a semi-final win over former champion Andrey Rublev. 

Medvedev had won 22 ATP titles – all at different venues – but finally got a repeat even if it came in roundabout fashion.

Griekspoor was diagnosed with a left hamstring injury.

“I cannot do anything about it, I played a great tournament, the four matches I played,” Medvedev said.

“Of course I wanted to play the final, but it is what it is. I played an unbelievable match yesterday, so I would either way take it as a final for me and I’m happy to win the tournament.”