A first successful defence for Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev has defended an ATP Tour title for the first time in his career, defeating Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili in the final of the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan. The former world No. 1 and US Open champion lost the opening set to a qualifier before recovering to take the match 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-3. The result makes him the first player to win consecutive titles at the ATP 250 tournament.[S1][S3][S5][S7]
Medvedev described the breakthrough as a question of timing and fortune, saying he felt physically fresh and that Sascha Bublik's injury in the semifinals gave him added motivation in the final. He expressed satisfaction at finally completing a title defence.[S1]
How the final was won
The Russian closed out the match with 26 winners against 20 unforced errors and claimed 82% of points on his first serve. Basilashvili, ranked 128th and appearing in his first Tour final since May 2021, was hurt by 40 unforced errors. Medvedev acknowledged the first set had been difficult and that he had chances in it, adding that he expected further opportunities to turn the match and was pleased to come through.[S1]
Race to the ATP Finals and what comes next
The title strengthens Medvedev's position in the race for the ATP Finals, an event he won in 2020. He sits fifth, with only the top eight assured of places. He is the third player this season to reach four or more titles, after Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton, having also won in Brisbane, Dubai and Hangzhou. The Almaty crown is the 25th ATP trophy of his career.[S1][S4][S8]
Medvedev's next scheduled appearance is the Vienna Open, where Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Flavio Cobolli and Alex de Minaur are also entered. He will open against Spain's Daniel Merida.[S1]
