World no. 6 Daniil Medvedev performed nicely in Doha, particularly compared to his earlier tournaments. Nonetheless, the 2023 champion needed to finish his marketing campaign within the quarter-final after retiring versus Felix Auger-Aliassime following the opening set.
Felix grabbed the opener 6-3 after a double break, and Daniil retired with out shaking arms together with his rival or the chair umpire. The Russian defined his setback, citing meals poisoning and hoping to recuperate for subsequent week’s ATP 500 occasion in Dubai.
Medvedev: “Unfortunately I had food poisoning. Very disappointed to end my run here in Doha like this as I feel like I was playing well. I look forward to coming back next year.” #qatartennisfederation #qatarexxonmobilopen #atp #tennis pic.twitter.com/hyXyZCqMsI
— Qatar Tennis Federation (@QatarTennis) February 20, 2025
Medvedev’s retirement stunned his rival, who didn’t discover something unsuitable in his recreation. Daniil stayed in contact within the first half of the set earlier than struggling back-to-back breaks and leaving the courtroom after solely half an hour.
Auger-Aliassime served nicely and dropped 4 factors in as many service video games. He averted break factors and mounted the stress on the Russian. World no. 6 served nicely early on and led 3-2 earlier than fading away from the courtroom.
Daniil Medvedev, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
Medvedev closed the opening recreation of the match with a service winner, and Auger-Aliassime hit an ace in recreation two for 1-1. Daniil grabbed three straight factors within the third recreation for one more lead. The Canadian landed an ace in recreation 4 and repeated that at 2-3 for a lift.
Felix made a push on the return at 3-3 and transformed a break likelihood after Daniil’s expensive double fault. Auger-Aliassime moved 5-3 up after a backhand crosscourt winner in recreation eight. Medvedev misplaced steam and struggled behind the preliminary shot in recreation 9.
The Canadian generated two set factors with a compelled error and landed a forehand winner on the primary. Thus, he clinched the set 6-3 and moved excessive following the Russian’ s surprising retirement.
Daniil Medvedev, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
“Unfortunately I had food poisoning. I’m very disappointed to end my run here in Doha like this as I feel like I was playing well. I look forward to coming back next year,” Daniil Medvedev stated.
