ATP Doha: Daniil Medvedev overcomes gradual begin, dethrones Karen Khachanov

Champions from the earlier two years met within the first spherical in Doha. The 2023 winner Daniil Medvedev ousted the defending champion Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 31 minutes, incomes his finest victory of the season.

World no. 6 dropped the opener and moved nearer to a different early loss. Nonetheless, Daniil raised his stage within the second set and supplied a late break to pressure a decider. The higher-ranked Russian served nicely within the decider and moved excessive with a single break. Medvedev performed nicely behind the primary serve however struggled behind the second. Not like in some earlier matches, world no. 6 stored his composure within the pivotal moments and defended six of seven break factors, six within the fifth recreation of the opener.

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Khachanov performed in opposition to 5 break factors and suffered one break in units two and three to hit the exit door. Daniil landed 30 winners and 35 unforced errors, whereas Karen stood on a 35-44 ratio. The higher-ranked Russian constructed a 32-20 lead in service winners and introduced the win dwelling.

Medvedev confronted a stern problem within the fifth recreation of the opening set. The 2023 champion saved six break factors and closed a marathon recreation to keep away from the setback. Khachanov left these alternatives behind and made one other push on the return at 3-3.

Daniil Medvedev, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot

The defending champion grabbed a break at 15 following the rival’s free backhand. Karen cemented the break with a maintain at 30 in recreation eight and served for the opener at 5-4. World no. 21 transformed a set level after Daniil’s wayward backhand, shifting 6-4 up after 57 minutes.

World no. 6 supplied six comfy holds within the second set and stored the stress on the opposite facet. Khachanov adopted that tempo and held at love at 4-5 for extra drama. Medvedev landed a forehand winner at 30-30 within the eleventh recreation and closed it with a strong serve.

Daniil Medvedev & Karen Khachanov, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot

He made a push on the return at 6-5 and generated a set level following the rival’s free forehand. Karen despatched a forehand vast, dropping serve and permitting Daniil to take the set 7-5 and pressure a decider after an hour and 50 minutes.

The highest-10 star gained momentum and served nicely within the remaining set. Medvedev landed an ace within the third recreation for a maintain at love and stepped in on the return within the subsequent one. Khachanov despatched a backhand past the baseline, shedding serve and falling 3-1 behind.

Daniil closed the fifth recreation with a smash winner on the web and opened a 4-1 hole. Karen struggled on serve within the sixth recreation, He saved two break level and stayed in contact earlier than dealing with a match level at 2-5. Khachanov denied it and held to increase his possibilities.

Medvedev served for the win at 5-3 and generated three match factors with a smash winner. World no. 6 seized the third with a strong serve, reserving a spot within the second spherical and incomes a much-needed win.