Dubai Tennis: Felix Auger-Aliassime Advances Easily, Medvedev Edges Past Fellow Major Champ

Top seed Felix rolls on

Top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime dominates big-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to reach the Dubai quarter-finals, while Daniil Medvedev defeats another Grand Slam winner in a thrilling battle.

Jiri Lehecka will be Auger-Aliassime's opponent in the Dubai quarter-finals, following Lehecka's 7-6(6)...

Felix Auger-Aliassime, the top seed, has booked his spot in the Dubai quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Auger-Aliassime was clinical in his returning display, overcoming a sluggish start to secure the victory.

Daniil Medvedev also advanced to the next round, reigning victorious in the battle of Grand Slam champions against Wawrinka.

Auger-Aliassime was 3-0 down in the first set, but turned it around, breaking twice to take the opener. He got a read on Mpetshi Perricard's serve and shifted the momentum.

A single break early in the second set sealed the win for Auger-Aliassime, who showed top-notch tennis, reminiscent of his career-high ranking of 5 in 2025.

The Canadian tennis star is set to take his talents outdoors, looking to replicate his impressive indoor form. He won the title in Montpellier and reached the Rotterdam final this year, and now he's aiming to translate that success to the outdoor courts, starting with the Dubai tournament.

Auger-Aliassime has a strong track record indoors, with eight of his nine career titles coming on indoor courts. His only outdoor win was last year in Adelaide, so he'll be looking to add to his outdoor tally.

Jiri Lehecka will be Auger-Aliassime's opponent in the Dubai quarter-finals, following Lehecka's 7-6(6), 6-4 win over Pablo Carreno-Busta. Lehecka's solid performance sets up an exciting match against Auger-Aliassime.

Jack Draper's return to action was unfortunately cut short in Dubai, as he fell to Arthur Rinderknech 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4. Draper, who was once ranked as high as 4th in the world, is now 15th and will head to Indian Wells next week to defend his title and crucial ranking points. His road back to form continues.

FAA Powers On 🚀

He takes out Mpetshi Perricard 6-4 6-4 to advance to the quarter-finals#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/dLjAn9azec

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 25, 2026

Medvedev Cruises Past Wawrinka

Daniil Medvedev, the third seed, cruised to a 6-2, 6-3 win over Stanislas Wawrinka, marking the end of Wawrinka's run in Dubai. The Swiss tennis legend was given a heartfelt presentation after the match, celebrating his impressive career, which includes a Dubai title win back in 2016.

Stanislas Wawrinka played his final match in Dubai, having announced his retirement at the end of 2026. The three-time major winner couldn't find his rhythm against Medvedev, falling 6-2, 6-3 in just 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Medvedev's dominance from the baseline was too much for Wawrinka, as he used his depth and retrieval skills to suffocate the 40-year-old Swiss star. The heat also took a toll on Wawrinka, contributing to his 35 unforced errors. Medvedev's relentless pressure proved too much for his opponent.

Daniil Medvedev, the 2023 champion, aims to bounce back from his last-16 defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Doha. He'll face Jenson Brooksby in the quarter-finals, looking to end his Middle Eastern swing on a high.

Brooksby, making his Dubai debut, earned a thrilling 7-6(6), 6-4 win over seventh seed Karen Khachanov. The American showed his skills, setting up a meeting with Medvedev in the quarter-finals.

There was a major upset as second seed Alexander Bublik fell to Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 7-6(4). The match lasted just 1 hour and 23 minutes, with Griekspoor securing a spot in the last eight.

Andrey Rublev and Jakub Mensik had no issues, both securing their places in the quarter-finals. Rublev and Mensik advanced, setting up their next matches.