Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships ATP Round-Up Day Three | Jack Draper falls in three sets, Medvedev and Auger-Aliassime advance comfortably

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships moved into the second round as several leading names stepped onto court with quarterfinal spots at stake. Daniil Medvedev and Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced in straight sets, while Andrey Rublev secured a hard-fought three-set victory. Jack Draper, however, saw his campaign come to an end after a tight battle against Arthur Rinderknech.

With Indian Wells approaching and players looking to build rhythm ahead of the Sunshine Double, margins were decisive throughout the day. Below is a breakdown of the key matches involving Medvedev, Auger-Aliassime, Rublev and Draper.

Daniil Medvedev delivered a composed and efficient performance to defeat Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarterfinals in just over an hour. The Russian imposed his rhythm from the opening games, breaking early and never allowing the three-time Grand Slam champion to settle into extended baseline exchanges.

For Wawrinka — competing in what is widely expected to be his final season on Tour — the challenge proved steep against a player who thrives in these conditions. Medvedev landed 74% of his first serves and won 75% of those points, keeping service games short and controlled. The Swiss, by contrast, struggled to generate consistent pressure, holding just three of nine service games.

The return numbers underlined the difference. Medvedev won 42% of Wawrinka’s first-serve points and 68% against the second serve, consistently stepping inside the baseline on key points. Wawrinka converted only three of 12 break chances he created, while Medvedev capitalised more efficiently on his opportunities.

The former US Open champion continues to build momentum in Dubai, where his flat ball-striking and depth off both wings remain well suited to the quick hard-court conditions.

Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, continuing a positive stretch of form as he looks to re-establish consistency at the top level. The Canadian, currently ranked inside the world’s top 20, has been building momentum in recent weeks after an uneven start to the season.

Against one of the Tour’s most powerful young servers, Auger-Aliassime relied on first-serve efficiency and disciplined shot selection. He landed 71% of his first deliveries and won 83% of those points, preventing Mpetshi Perricard from dictating with early aggression. Although the Frenchman struck 11 aces, Felix proved more effective in extended rallies and managed the tempo with greater control.

The key difference came in the return games. Auger-Aliassime won 60% of points against his opponent’s second serve and converted one break in each set. He protected nine of his 10 service games and saved two of three break points faced, keeping scoreboard pressure consistently on his side.

After dealing with physical interruptions earlier in the year, the Canadian appears to be regaining rhythm. His movement looked sharper, and his forehand carried more conviction than in previous outings. The Canadian has reached 10 wins in his last 11 matches and his next challenge will be against the complicated Czech Jiri Lehecka (8th seed)

Andrey Rublev secured his place in the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 victory over Ugo Humbert, reinforcing his steady form in the early part of the season. The world No. 18, who was runner-up in Dubai in 2023, continues to look comfortable in these conditions as he searches for another deep run at ATP 500 level.

The 2023 Dubai runner-up struck 15 aces and won 87% of points behind his first serve, maintaining offensive pressure even after losing a tight second-set tie-break. Humbert matched him in power exchanges, firing 17 aces of his own and keeping the contest balanced deep into the match.

Rublev struck 15 aces and won 87% of points behind his first serve, a statistic that allowed him to maintain control even when the match tightened. Humbert matched him in power exchanges, firing 17 aces and pushing the contest into a second-set tie-break after recovering momentum late in the set.

After dropping the tie-break, Rublev showed composure in the decider. He elevated his intensity on return and converted two of six break opportunities, while saving all four break points he faced across the match. He held all 16 of his service games, a key factor in managing scoreboard pressure throughout

The Russian has been seeking greater consistency after fluctuating results last season, and performances like this underline his ability to compete in tight, physical matches. His aggressive baseline play and improved serve efficiency have been central to his progress this week. Rublev now advances to face Arthur Rinderknech in the quarterfinals, as he aims to match or improve on his previous final appearance in Dubai.

Jack Draper’s run in Dubai came to an end after a 7-5, 6-7, 6-4 defeat to Arthur Rinderknech in a match decided by fine margins and service efficiency.

The opening set remained balanced for most of its duration. Neither player faced a break point until 5-5, when Draper created a pair of chances that could have tilted the momentum in his favour. Rinderknech navigated the pressure with confident first serves and, in the following game, capitalised on a slight dip from the Brit to secure the only break of the set.

Draper responded strongly in the second. Despite not earning a single break opportunity throughout the set, he showed resilience under pressure, saving three break points midway through. The set was ultimately decided in a tie-break, where Draper imposed himself early with two mini-breaks and controlled the longer rallies to level the match 7-6 (7-4).

In the deciding set, Rinderknech struck early, securing the decisive break in the third game. The Frenchman’s serve proved decisive, finishing with 20 aces and winning 84% of points behind his first delivery. He held all 17 of his service games across the match, limiting Draper’s opportunities to respond.

Draper won 80% of points on his own first serve and 58% of second-serve return points, but was unable to convert that pressure into break chances late in the contest. The British No. 1 now turns his attention to Indian Wells, where he will defend his title next week and look to regain momentum on a surface that suits his aggressive baseline game.