Danil Medvedev made a strong comeback to advance to his first hard-court final since Indian Wells last year, defeating James Duckworth with a score of 6-7 (8-10), 6-2, 6-3 at the Almaty Open. The victory showcases Medvedev’s impressive form, having recently reached the semifinals in both Beijing and Shanghai. This win marks the 40th tour-level final of Medvedev’s career, making him the second active male player, alongside Novak Djokovic, to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Medvedev is now focused on securing his first ATP Tour title since his victory at the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome. Moreover, his performance has significantly boosted his chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where he is currently ranked 13th in the ATP Live Race.
Duckworth, who was attempting to reach his second final at this tournament since it was last held in Astana in 2021, advanced to this stage by coming through the qualifying round, resulting in his rise to world number 108 in the ATP Rankings. In a tightly contested first set, Duckworth saved two set points at 6-7 and 7-8 during the tie-break, ultimately clinching it 10-8.
However, Medvedev found his rhythm in the second set, taking a 4-2 lead after converting his third break point in the sixth game. He then closed out the set, forcing a decisive third. In the final set, Medvedev broke Duckworth’s serve twice, winning it convincingly 6-2 on his second match point.
Reflecting on the match, Medvedev remarked, “I think the level was incredible today, from both me and my opponent. In the tie-break, I could have played better, but it happens. Throughout the match, there were some amazing points from both of us, so I’m really happy to be able to win this match.”
Medvedev will face Corentin Moutet in the final after Moutet triumphed over Alex Michelsen with a score of 7-5, 6-4. Moutet’s path to the final included recovering from an early break by Michelsen, showcasing his resilience and ability to capitalize on crucial moments in matches.
With both men’s impressive performances, the final is anticipated to be a thrilling showdown that could further enhance Medvedev’s achievements on the ATP Tour.