Daniel Medvedev moved into position for a possible second title at the ATP Dubai event, with the 2023 winner defeating top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime  6-4, 6-2 on Friday.

The former world No. 1 who currently stands 11th, extended his 2026 renaissance as he completed the victory in 84 minutes over last year’s runner-up.

Medvedev seized the initiative against his Canadian opponent who has been on a hot streak this season, winning Montpellier and reaching the Rotterdam final.

The 30-year-old broke once per set to assure his passage into the Saturday title match at the Aviation club, winning in his second match point. 

Medvedev returned to his winning ways in the series with FAA after claiming victory in their first seven matches before losing their last two.

“There are not many fast courts like this any more on the Tour,” the winner said as he praised conditions. 

“I’m happy to have played well and served well. I’m pleased with everything and I’m looking forward to the final.

“The past (his 2023 title here) doesn’t matter, but now is amazing. 

“I’m paying better and better each match and today was the best performance yet.

“I have chances to win, but the opponent will be strong, of course.”

The third seed has a chance to repeat a title for the first time in his career after claiming trophies at 22 different venues around the Tour.

Felix Auger-Aliassime finished with his 16th ace on match point to defeat Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 7-6 (2) on Friday to line up in the semi-finals at the ATP Dubai event against Daniil Medvedev.

The Canadian top seed admitted the combative second set was the day’s real challenge, with his Czech opponent saving four break points in the eighth game to hold for 4-all

As the set went into a tiebreaker. No. 8 Auger-Aliassime stepped up his game against an opponent plagued by 41 unforced errors overall, running out a 6-2 lead in the decider.

FAA rained down his concluding ac to end it in just under two hours with 25 winners and 24 unforced errors.

“My serve worked great,” the winner said. “It was difficult conditions, full shade in the first (afternoon) set, then the second set with the lights on.

“I was able to mix it up on serve and it paid off. I’m trying to live up to some good (tennis) standards.”

The Canadian will play on Friday for a spot in the final as he takes on familiar face Daniil Medvedev after the former champion here beat Jensen Brooksby with the loss of just three games, taking less than an hour. 

Medvedev won his first seven matches in the series dating to 2018 before FAA claimed their last two at the Paris Olympics and Doha a year ago.

“We play opposing styles,” Auger-Aliassime said. “I come forward, he tries to make me miss.

“It took me seven or eight times to finally beat him. He’s a tough guy, one of the best of our generation.”

Auger-Aliassime has been on a tear this month since exiting in the Australian Open first round.

He picked up the title in Montpellier before playing the Rotterdam final. Dubai will be his third straight Tour semi-final.

Felix Auger-Aliassime bounced back after a slow start, with the Canadian raiding his game along with his expectations on Wednesday at the ATP Dubai event.

The top seed survived the loss of his opening serve to prevail 6-4, 6-4 over France’s Giovanni Mpetschi Perricard.

Victory marked the 10th quarter-final or higher at 11 tournament for FAA dating to Cincinnati last August.

The seed’s game is on the mend after a hiccup in the form of an Australian Open first-round loss, with FAA winning the Montpellier title and reaching this month’s Rotterdam final against Alex de Minaur.

Auger-Aliassime said that he tries to set an example to his team by way of keeping his tennis standards high.

“I’m responsible, I’m the one stepping onto the court – I’m the (support) team leader.

“I need to uphold the standards I want for my career.”

The winner who broke three times, said the ball reacted differently as he played for the first time in the afternoon.

“I couldn’t find my serve in the first few games, I needed to get some rhythm. he also made it difficult for me. I’m glad I was able to find a way back into the set.

The Canadian No. 1 improved his record against French opponents to 15-1 since the start of 2025.