Daniil Medvedev Ends Zverev’s Grass-Court Dream, Advances to Halle Final Against Bublik
Daniil Medvedev dashed the hopes of home favorite Alexander Zverev with a hard-fought 7-6 (3), 6-7 (1), 6-4 victory in the semifinals of the Halle Open on Saturday. The intense three-set clash lasted nearly three hours and marked Medvedev’s first appearance in a final since March 2024.
The Russian star had multiple chances to close out the match earlier, including three match points on Zverev’s serve at 5-6 in the second set. However, Zverev fought back to force a deciding set. Medvedev eventually regained composure and sealed the win in the third, extending his head-to-head lead over Zverev to 13-7, including four consecutive victories.
| Set | Medvedev | Zverev |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7‑6 (7–3) | 6‑7 (3–7)* |
| 2 | 6‑7 (1–7) – lost | 7‑6 (7–1) |
| 3 | 6‑4 | 4‑6 |
“I could have done much better when I had the break in the second, but that’s normal,” Medvedev said afterward. “In the third, when I broke, he again raised his level and returned better. I’m just happy I stayed composed and saved those crucial break points.”
With this win, Medvedev not only ended a 15-month drought without reaching a final but also secured a return to the ATP Top 10 when the new rankings are released on Monday.
In Sunday’s final, Medvedev will face defending Halle champion Alexander Bublik, who delivered a stunning performance to defeat Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in the other semifinal. Bublik, who ousted world No. 1 Jannik Sinner earlier in the tournament, fired 18 aces en route to the victory.
“This was the biggest title of my career last year,” Bublik said. “Now I have the chance to win it again, and I’ll give it everything.”
Zverev, a two-time Halle finalist, was aiming to claim his first grass-court title but will have to wait for another opportunity to achieve that milestone.
