Medvedev makes winning return in Dubai
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Daniil Medvedev returned to action for the first time since his Australian final defeat on Tuesday with a straight sets win over Alexander Shevchenko in Dubai.
Elsewhere, 18-year-old Jakub Mensik beat Borna Coric 48 hours after becoming the youngest finalist at a tour event since 2021 in Doha.
The man who ended the Czech teenager’s dream run in Qatar on Sunday, Karen Khachanov, was also among the round of 32 winners.
World No. 4 Medvedev got his title defense at the hard court ATP 500 event up and running, overcoming Shevchenko, 6-3, 7-5.
The Russian top seed shrugged off his monthlong absence — part holiday, part injury — breaking his Kazakh opponent in three consecutive return games in the first set before reeling off four games in a row from 3-5 in the second set to complete an 88-minute triumph.
In January, Medvedev reached his second Australian Open (AO) final. He lost to Rafael Nadal in the Melbourne decider two years ago, and this time had to settle for second best in the season’s opening Grand Slam to Jannik Sinner. He was forced to skip his title defense in Doha last week because he was dealing with a number of physical issues — with his foot, adductor and shoulder.
“In general, to be honest, I am happy with my level, because it is not easy to come back after an injury.
“You always try to straight away put your game back, but it’s not easy, and I’m happy to beat such a good opponent, and [I] am looking forward to the next round,” said Medvedev courtside.