“It is special”: Carlos Alcaraz breaks down Medvedev triumph as 25-match ATP 500 streak continues

Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 22:30

Alcaraz and Medvedev embracing at the net

Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive run at ATP 500 tournaments by defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 7-6(2) in the Vienna Open semifinals on Saturday. The Spaniard secured his place in Sunday's championship match, extending his unbeaten record at this level to 15 matches this season and maintaining a streak that dates back to the 2025 Barcelona final.

The victory also came against an opponent who arrived in Vienna with considerable momentum after winning the Almaty Open. Medvedev had put together a strong week in Austria, and despite falling short in the semifinals, his run to the last four was enough to secure qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin.

Alcaraz will now have the opportunity to claim his first Vienna title and add another trophy to a season in which he has established himself as one of the leading forces on the ATP Tour. He will face Alex de Minaur in the final.

For Medvedev, the focus now shifts to the Paris Masters, where he will look to carry his recent form into the final stretch of the season. His qualification for the ATP Finals means he can approach the remaining tournaments with a place at the season-ending event already secured.

Alcaraz highlights importance of beating Medvedev indoors

Alcaraz was particularly pleased with the level of opponent he had overcome, acknowledging Medvedev's recent run of victories and the confidence he brought into their semifinal. Beating the former world No. 1 on an indoor court carried additional significance for the Spaniard, who recognised the challenge posed by his opponent's form.

“It’s a great feeling, beating someone like Daniil on an indoor court, after the [run] he was having,” the world No. 3 said. “A lot of wins in a row, a lot of confidence and I was able to beat him, so it is special.”

Carlos Alcaraz at Japan Open hitting ball

The Spaniard also pointed to the work he has put into different areas of his game as part of his preparation for Vienna. With the tournament reaching its final stages, Alcaraz was pleased to see that preparation translate into another opportunity to compete for a title.

“I’ve been working really hard in every aspect of my game, to try and be in good shape for this tournament and to try to give myself another chance to go far in a tournament,” he added.

The victory extended Alcaraz's unbeaten run at ATP 500 level to 25 matches, dating back to his defeat in the 2025 Barcelona final. Fifteen of those wins have come in 2026, as the Spaniard has maintained a perfect record at the category throughout the current season.

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Alcaraz looks forward to first Vienna final

Reaching the final represents another milestone in Alcaraz's week, as he prepares to compete for the title in Vienna for the first time. The Spaniard now has one match remaining to complete his campaign with another trophy, although he knows the importance of recovering properly after a demanding semifinal.

“I’m really happy to have the chance to play another final, and my first one here in Vienna,” Alcaraz said. “I will try to make the most of the time to recover well physically mentally for tomorrow. It’s been a great week and I’m looking forward to it.”

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His opponent will be Alex de Minaur, who pulled off an upset against the new world No. 1 Alexander Zverev, in a tightly contested semifinal. Alcaraz holds a perfect record against the Australian, having won all six of their previous encounters on the circuit.

Alcaraz will enter the contest with the opportunity to extend his winning run and claim another ATP 500 title. After overcoming Medvedev, he is one victory away from completing a successful first appearance in the Vienna championship match.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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