Medvedev Reaches 40th Career Final in Almaty

Daniil Medvedev rallied past Aussie qualifier James Duckworth to reach the Almaty Open final, 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday.

The Russian ranks second among active finals with 40, behind only Novak Djokovic’s 143.

He couldn’t convert two set points in the opening set tiebreak, but flipped the script in sets two and three with some crisp and efficient tennis.

Medvedev got his first break in the sixth game of the second set, then broke in the first and seventh games of the third set to pull away from the 33-year-old.

“I think the level was incredible today, from both me and my opponent,” said the 29-year-old. “In the tiebreak I could have played better in some moments, but it happens. Throughout the match I think there were some amazing points from both of us, so I’m really happy with my performance and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

The former world No.1 will face Corentin Moutet in the final as he bids for his 21st ATP title, and first since the spring of 2023.

Moutet battled past Alex Michelsen in the second semifinal, reaching the final without dropping a set through four matches, 7-5, 6-4.