Medvedev, Rublev Set to Face Tough Quarterfinal Opponents in Doha

DOHA, Qatar — Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev are gearing up for pivotal quarterfinal matches at the ATP 500 tournament in Doha on Thursday. Medvedev faces Felix Auger-Aliassime, while Rublev goes up against Alex de Minaur.

This matchup marks the ninth encounter between Medvedev and Auger-Aliassime, with Medvedev leading their head-to-head series 7-1, including a perfect 7-0 record on hard courts. Their last match occurred during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Auger-Aliassime defeated Medvedev on clay with a score of 6-3, 7-6(5).

Despite recent struggles, Medvedev’s performances in Doha have sent positive signals. He has already overcome both Karen Khachanov — the defending champion — and Zizou Bergs, conceding only three games against the latter. Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked 23rd, advanced through a challenging match against Quentin Halys, winning in a third-set tiebreaker, before receiving a walkover against Hamad Medjedovic.

Medvedev must continue to demonstrate his form if he hopes to leave behind the challenges of the past year. “It’s great to see the hard work pay off, but I need to be consistent moving forward,” Medvedev stated.

Meanwhile, Rublev is looking to capitalize on his own momentum after a slow start to 2025. With a current record of 4-4, the 10th-ranked player has bounced back with straight-set victories over Alexander Bublik and Nuno Borges. Notably, Rublev holds a solid track record in Doha, boasting a lifetime record of 13-5 and a title win in 2020.

However, Rublev faces a tough opponent in de Minaur, who has been in strong form with a 14-2 record this season. Their head-to-head series is also tight, with de Minaur leading 4-3. “I know that Alex plays aggressively and brings a different challenge to the court,” Rublev commented. “I need to adjust my game to counter his speed.”

De Minaur’s recent performances include victories over both Roman Safiullin and Botic van de Zandschulp, showcasing his prowess on hard courts. “I’ve worked hard to get to this point and I’m ready to continue pushing for the title,” de Minaur said in an interview.

As the ATP 500 in Doha progresses, Medvedev’s matchup against Auger-Aliassime and Rublev’s clash with de Minaur could have significant implications for both players’ momentum heading into the remainder of the season.