A final that never started
Center Court was set. The crowd was ready. The final never happened.
Tallon Griekspoor, who looked off-colour in his semi against Andrey Rublev, officially pulled out just hours before he was due to face Daniil Medvedev.
After the geopolitical unease around the region, the ending came from the court. Or rather, from the physio room.
No match point. No deciding rally. Just an announcement. And a trophy handed over without a fight.
A 23rd title with a hollow edge
Medvedev was handed the Dubai title without playing the final.
23rd career trophy. His second in the emirate after 2023.
It’s the first time he’s won the same event twice — a neat stat in a career built on relentless consistency and longevity at the top.
Still, the image feels odd. A champion on the podium who never fought the final.
On X, the Russian spelled it out:
Not how I want to win a final. Hoping the injury for @Griekii is not too bad and wishing him a speedy recovery.
— Daniil Medvedev (@DaniilMedwed) February 28, 2026
No grandstanding. Respectful. Makes sense.
A trophy, but no sporting finale
The week belonged to a solid Medvedev — he bossed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semis and was generally excellent on serve throughout the event.
But the aborted final leaves a sour aftertaste.
Griekspoor’s priority now is recovery.
For Medvedev, the title stands. Official. In the books. Historic.
But in the memory, the 2026 Dubai edition will carry a footnote.
Winner by walkover.
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