Medvedev dismantles Mpetshi Perricard’s monstrous serve to reach the Dubai quarter-finals
Daniil Medvedev showed his class in Dubai, taking down French powerhouse Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. The Russian star, who won the tournament in 2023, delivered a masterclass in returning, neutralising his opponent’s thunderous serves, which frequently hit 140 mph.
“You don’t have any time, so it’s pure reflexes,” Medvedev admitted. The 6ft 8in Mpetshi Perricard bombarded him with rockets, but the top seed stayed composed. “It makes it even easier because if you don’t return it, you’re not even disappointed,” he added.
Despite the Frenchman saving eight of ten break points, his 44 unforced errors proved costly. Medvedev took full advantage, dictating the match with his relentless consistency and precise shot-making.
With this victory, Medvedev moves one step closer to his first title since winning in Rome last year. His next challenge will be Tallon Griekspoor, who fought back to defeat defending champion Ugo Humbert 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Elsewhere, Felix Auger-Aliassime secured a quarter-final clash with former US Open champion Marin Cilic after grinding out a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Nuno Borges. Cilic, meanwhile, continued his resurgence, securing back-to-back tour-level victories for the first time since his Hangzhou title run last September, overcoming Alexei Popyrin 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.
With the Dubai Championships heating up, Medvedev remains the favourite, but with Griekspoor up next, the battle is far from over.
Medvedev’s triumph reinforces his dominance on hard courts, where his defensive skills and tactical precision make him a formidable force. The world No. 4 has been one of the most consistent performers on tour, and his ability to absorb and redirect Mpetshi Perricard’s power highlights why he remains a top contender in Dubai. With each match, he appears to be sharpening his game, eyeing another deep run in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Griekspoor presents a different kind of challenge. The Dutchman thrives on baseline exchanges and has proven his resilience with strong comebacks. His victory over Humbert showcased his ability to adapt mid-match, and against Medvedev, he will need to find a way to break the Russian’s impenetrable defence. With a semi-final spot on the line, their clash promises to be an intriguing test of Medvedev’s championship credentials.
