Medvedev and Tsitsipas Seek Quarterfinal Spots in Dubai

Dubai, UAE — Daniil Medvedev aims to regain his winning form in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships as he faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a pivotal second-round match on Wednesday. Medvedev, the top seed, is coming off a straight-set victory against Jan-Lennard Struff.

Despite his strong showing on Tuesday night, Medvedev has not lifted a trophy since the 2023 Rome Masters, ending a difficult nearly two-year drought. He will confront Mpetshi Perricard, who is fresh off a win over Zhizhen Zhang, having posted an impressive 5-2 record in the early stages of 2025.

“It’s important for me to build momentum in these matches,” Medvedev said after his first-round win. “I’m focused on each opponent and looking forward to this next challenge.”

Mpetshi Perricard, 21, stunned the tennis world last season, clinching titles in Lyon and Basel. However, he remains a formidable rival known for his powerful serve. His technique will be tested against Medvedev, whose experience bolsters his reputation as one of the best returners in the sport.

The matchup will be their first encounter, providing both players a blank slate in terms of strategy and expectations. Medvedev is optimistic about his chances, aiming to capitalize on his recent form to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas is also set to face Karen Khachanov in another second-round clash. The two players have met nine times previously, with Tsitsipas holding a dominating 8-1 advantage in their head-to-head matchups.

Despite being less consistent this season, Tsitsipas is coming off a satisfying win against Lorenzo Sonego and remains confident against Khachanov, who achieved a notable victory over Dan Evans after struggling in past encounters.

“I’ve worked hard and I know my game matches well against his,” Tsitsipas commented ahead of the match. “It’s all about executing my plan and staying focused.”

The match against Khachanov is expected to showcase Tsitsipas’ ability to adapt and strategize effectively, particularly given the two players’ contrasting playing styles. With both matches promising high-stakes tennis, fans can anticipate an exciting day at the Dubai Championships.