Daniil Medvedev defends Almaty Open title for first successful title defence

Daniil Medvedev defended his Almaty Open title on Sunday, beating Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-3 in the final in Kazakhstan.

The top seed and world No. 5 lost the first set in a tiebreak after saving two set points, then regained control, forcing backhand rallies and pressuring an error-prone Basilashvili into shooting wide, Reuters reported. It was Medvedev’s fourth trophy on the ATP Tour this year and the 25th title of his career, and the first title he has successfully defended.

“I always said, it’s just a matter of luck, time, moment,” Medvedev said after the match. “I was feeling fresh, I was feeling physically good… I’m happy to finally do it I guess.”

Basilashvili, ranked 128th in the world, was playing his first tour final since 2022. He clinched the opening set with a powerful cross-court backhand after Medvedev netted two attempted winners in the tiebreak, but struggled with his nerves in the deciding set, netting a backhand drop shot to bring up Medvedev’s first match point before shooting wide from the baseline to lose the match.

The win boosts Medvedev’s hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, which he won in 2020. Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have already qualified for the eight-man event in Turin from November 15-22, while the injured Jannik Sinner will not feature. Medvedev is set to play in the Vienna Open starting on Monday, and the Paris Masters from October 31, as he looks to secure his place in Turin.

Sources: Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/medvedev-defends-almaty-open-title-close-atp-finals-2026-10-25/ ; Sportstar, https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/daniil-medvedev-wins-almaty-open-2026-final-score-atp-finals-qualification-scenario/article71624187.ece