Medvedev into Almaty Open final, seeks first tour title since 2023

Daniil Medvedev rallied from a first-set tiebreak loss to beat qualifier James Duckworth 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday at the Almaty Open, advancing to the final and marking the 40th career ATP final of the former world No. 1. The victory keeps Medvedev on course for his first tour title since 2023 and extends a late-season resurgence that has seen improved results under coach Thomas Johansson.

Medvedev dropped the opening set in a close tiebreak but shifted momentum in the second, earning his first break in the sixth game to take the set 6-3. He broke Duckworth again in the opening game of the deciding set and again in the seventh to close out a 6-2 win. After the match Medvedev said, "I think the level was incredible today, from both me and my opponent. In the tiebreak I could have played better in some moments, but it happens. Throughout the match I think there were some amazing points from both of us, so I'm really happy with my performance and I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

The run to Sunday’s final in Almaty follows three consecutive deep showings in Asia, including semifinals in Shanghai and Beijing, and a quarterfinal in Hangzhou. Medvedev opened the Almaty draw with a...