Dubai Tennis Championships Heat Up: Auger-Aliassime and Medvedev Advance

Auger-Aliassime's Thrilling Comeback

Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime staged a captivating comeback against Portugal's Nuno Borges on Wednesday, triumphing 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to secure a spot in the Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinals.

After dropping the first set, Auger-Aliassime dug deep, breaking Borges late in the decider and sealing the victory with his ninth ace. This hard-fought win marks Auger-Aliassime's first encounter with the world No. 38 Borges on the ATP Tour.

The world No. 21 converted three of his ten break point opportunities, while showcasing resilience by saving four of the six break points against him.

Medvedev's Reflexive Mastery

Top-seeded Daniil Medvedev showcased remarkable reflexes en route to a 6-4, 6-4 victory over the fiery Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Facing serves exceeding 230 km/h, Medvedev relied on instinct, admitting, "You don't have any time so it's pure reflexes...sometimes it makes life even easier because, as I say, you don't think much."

Medvedev, the 2023 Dubai champion, strategically broke Mpetshi Perricard once in each set, capitalizing on the Frenchman's high unforced error count and lack of break point opportunities. He now faces Tallon Griekspoor, who upset defending champion Ugo Humbert.

"If you don't return it, you're not even disappointed," Medvedev quipped about the blistering serves. "There were some second serves that I missed, and I was disappointed. You just try to do your best, and I managed pretty well today.”

Shapovalov Marches On in Mexico

Canadian Denis Shapovalov joined his compatriot Auger-Aliassime in quarterfinal action, defeating American Alex Michelsen 6-4, 6-3 at the Mexican Open.

The ninth-seeded Shapovalov capitalized on break point opportunities, securing four out of six, while firing three aces. His aggressive starts in both sets, racing to 5-2 and 5-1 leads respectively, propelled him to victory. He will now face a familiar foe in Marcos Giron.

Krejcikova Withdraws from Indian Wells and Miami

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from both Indian Wells and Miami due to a lingering back injury. The injury, sustained during the Asian swing last year, continues to hinder the world No. 16.

Krejcikova's absence from the Australian Open earlier this year highlighted the severity of the injury. Austria's Julia Grabher will replace her in the Indian Wells main draw.