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Former world no. 1 Daniil Medvedev is finally back on track! Daniil has won 12 consecutive matches, winning titles in Rotterdam and Doha and seeking the third within three weeks in Dubai. Medvedev is through to the last four in the desert following a rock-solid 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Borna Coric in an hour and 21 minutes.
They faced for the first time since St. Petersburg 2019, and the Russian beat the Croat for the third time in seven encounters. Daniil had the upper hand on serve and return to control the pace and set the semi-final clash against world no.
1 Novak Djokovic. Medvedev dropped 12 points in eight service games and lost serve once from two chances offered to Coric. Daniil fired 20 winners and 19 unforced errors and took advantage of Borna's 30 unforced mistakes. The Croat hit three service winners and lost the baseline battles against a better-ranked opponent.
Medvedev had the edge in the shortest and more advanced rallies and rattled off 21 straight points from 2-0 down in the second set to sail over the finish line!
Daniil Medvedev played at a high level against Borna Coric in Dubai.
Borna held in the encounter's first game after deuce with a forehand winner.
Daniil responded with a backhand winner in game two to get his name on the scoreboard. The Russian pushed strong on the return in game three and drew the Croat's backhand error to secure a break and move in front. Medvedev confirmed the lead with a forehand crosscourt winner in game four and landed an ace down the T line at 3-2 to remain in front.
Borna remained within one break deficit, but there were no chances on the return for him. Medvedev built a 5-3 lead with another fine hold and wrapped up the set with another break in game nine thanks to Coric's double fault.
Borna stepped in on the return at the start of the second set and earned two break points when Daniil placed a forehand long. The Croat seized the second with a backhand return winner to create an early gap and gain a boost.
Borna came from 30-0 down in the second game and held after deuce and 2-0. Daniil painted a forehand crosscourt winner at 40-30 in game three, marking the beginning of his incredible streak. The Russian would win every point by the end of the duel, producing five consecutive games at love to sail over the top.
Coric netted a forehand in the fourth game to lose serve at love and bring the rival back to 2-2. Standing on every ball, Daniil grabbed another break at love at 3-2 following an extended rally, with his opponent serving to stay in the match at 2-5.
Coric lost the ground completely and experienced his third consecutive break at love after Medvedev's backhand winner.