The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is coming closer to its end and we are looking forward to the semifinal clash between world number seven Félix Auger-Aliassime and the ever-formidable Daniil Medvedev.
On Friday afternoon, the “Aviation Club” will witness a battle of contrasting styles as the tournament’s top seed looks to halt Medvedev’s quest for a historic title defense (from the 2023 Dubai event). Medvedev has never successfully defended a title (winning the same tournament two years in a row) and has never won the same tournament twice in different years.
The Road to the Semifinals
Both players arrive at this stage without having dropped a single set.
- Félix Auger-Aliassime: The Canadian has been the man of the hour this February. Coming off a title in Montpellier and a final in Rotterdam, he extended his hot streak by dismantling Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 7-6(2) in the quarterfinals. His serve was the story of the match, as he fired 16 aces and won 83% of his first-serve points.
- Daniil Medvedev: The third-seeded Russian has looked equally untouchable. He breezed past American Jenson Brooksby 6-2, 6-1 in a clinical performance that lasted just over an hour. Medvedev is currently chasing a unique personal milestone: despite owning 22 career titles, he has never won the same tournament twice. A win here puts him one step closer to breaking that career-long “curse.”
Head-to-Head: A Shift in Momentum?
On paper, Medvedev leads the career rivalry 7–2. For years, he had the receipe to the Canadian’s explosive game, famously coming back from two sets down to beat him at the 2022 Australian Open.
However, the tide has turned recently. Auger-Aliassime has won their last two meetings, including a straight-sets victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a win in Doha early in 2025.
Tactical Preview
This match presents a fascinating tactical puzzle: Auger-Aliassime will rely on his massive first serve and aggressive forehand to keep points short. On the fast Dubai courts, his ability to take the ball early and move into the net will be crucial.
Medvedev is arguably the best counter-puncher in the game. He will stand deep behind the baseline, daring Felix to hit through him. If Medvedev can extend the rallies beyond five shots, his fitness and mental resilience usually take over.
“We have very different game styles,” Auger-Aliassime noted after his quarterfinal. “I’m going to try to come forward; he will try and make me miss. We’ll see who gets the better of the game plan.”
Predictions and Odds
Medvedev is actually the slight favorite in this semi and a win for Auger-Aliassime gives around 2 times the money at most tennis bookmakers.
The form of the Canadian is really strong at the moment and it’s a fact that Medvedev has a poor record against top ranked players as of recent times.
Betting pick: Auger-Aliassime to win in 3 sets, at odds 4.20, or +320.
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