WATCH: Daniil Medvedev turns the tables on Alexander Bublik, seals victory with an underarm serve to book Dubai Tennis Championships QF spot
Daniil Medvedev surprised Alexander Bublik with an underarm serve on match point to book his spot in the Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinals.
Medvedev sealed his 11th consecutive victory on the ATP tour with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Bublik in the third round of the tournament in Dubai. The former World No. 1 used an underarm serve to close out his win against Bublik, who is known for his frequent use of the underarm serve himself.
The latter even did so earlier in the match, as echoed by the commentator.
"He wanted a bit of payback on Alexander Bublik," the commentator said.
Prior to the match, Daniil Medvedev praised Alexander Bublik's ingenuity and creativity in his shot-making.
The World No. 7 used an example of Bublik hitting a shot with his racket handle in the 2022 Metz final against Lorenzo Sonego and praised his uniqueness. Medvedev also defended him against criticism from fans.
The 2021 US Open champion said that he was looking forward to a tough encounter against Bublik, who he admired for his carefree attitude.
"I like watching him play. I like that he doesn't care what, atleast that's what I feel like, that he doesn't care what people say against him," Medvedev said.
"Well, he is in the final, he can do whatever he wants, that's his choice and no one can argue with him and that's what I really like about him."
Daniil Medvedev will face Borna Coric in Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinals
Daniil Medvedev is enjoying a fantastic run of form with back-to-back titles in Rotterdam and Doha. He is on course to make a deep run in Dubai as well.
Medvedev was recently asked if he was feeling the fatigue while playing in his third consecutive tournament. The Russian responded by stating that he believes confidence is crucial and more important than fatigue because players don't want to stop unless they feel physically unwell.
Despite feeling fatigued after traveling from Europe to Doha, he managed to play well and lift the title. However, Medvedev said he feels much better physically in Dubai.
“I think confidence is more important than fatigue, because you don’t want to stop. Unless of course you feel bad physically,” he said.
“Doha was a little bit tough after coming from Europe. It’s a longer flight, so I feel much better physically here in Dubai. [In Doha] I still managed to run good and play good, so I feel 100 per cent ready and am looking forward to my next matches.”
Daniil Medvedev will take on Borna Coric in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Coric currently leads their head-to-head 4-2. However, it was the Russian who came out on top during their most recent encounter in the 2019 St. Petersburg final.