Daniil Medvedev won the Dubai Tennis Championships without striking a ball in the final, as his opponent Tallon Griekspoor withdrew due to a hamstring injury.
What happened?
Medvedev was awarded a walkover victory, marking his 23rd title on the ATP Tour.
The Russian player had been in great form throughout the tournament, and his victory was a historic one, as it marked the first time he had won the same tournament twice.
Why it matters for Daniil Medvedev
This win is particularly significant for Medvedev, as it gives him a lot of confidence going into the Indian Wells Masters, where he will be looking to compete against top players like Carlos Alcaraz.
Medvedev has fallen to Alcaraz in straight sets in both the 2023 and 2024 finals, so he will be keen to make a strong showing this time around.
What comes next?
With all flights in and out of Dubai suspended due to an explosion, Medvedev may find himself stranded in the city, which could impact his preparations for the Indian Wells Masters.
The tournament is set to begin next week, and Medvedev will be hoping to bring his winning form to California.
Medvedev posted on X, saying he was hoping for a speedy recovery for Griekspoor, and that he was looking forward to the next tournaments.
The 30-year-old player took home $500,000 from his second title of 2026, and will be looking to add to his winnings in the coming weeks.
Medvedev's victory in Dubai is a significant one, as it marks a turning point in his career, and he will be looking to build on this momentum in the future.
The former world No. 1 has won six Masters 1000 titles, and will be looking to add to this total in the coming months.
With his confidence high after his win in Dubai, Medvedev will be a player to watch in the upcoming tournaments, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his next match.