Medvedev Reaches Almaty Final After Bublik Retires

Daniil Medvedev reached the Almaty Open final on Saturday after Alexander Bublik retired at the end of their semifinal’s first set, which Medvedev won 6-3. Medvedev will meet Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili in Sunday’s final, with a chance to defend his title for the first time in his career. Bublik, the third seed and a home favourite, appeared to have difficulty moving during the match. After Medvedev secured the opening set, Bublik retired. No medical diagnosis was reported. Medvedev said afterward that he hoped the problem was not serious and that Bublik would recover soon. The final, scheduled for October 25, will be Medvedev’s fifth of the 2026 season, according to his account. He has won titles in Brisbane, Dubai and Hangzhou. The Dubai title was awarded after his opponent withdrew before the final was played. Medvedev also reached the final at Indian Wells, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. Medvedev, the defending champion and top seed in Almaty, has won seven consecutive matches at the tournament, including his title run last year. A victory on Sunday would give him the first successful title defense of his career. He has won 24 career titles, according to the...