Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev will meet in an exhibition match in Moscow on December 5, with the two Russian stars set to headline the WOW-Cup event. The announcement was made by Medvedev on social media, confirming a date that will bring two of the country’s leading players together away from the regular ATP Tour schedule.
Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion and a former world No. 1, is currently ranked sixth in the world. Rublev, a former world No. 5 and multiple ATP title winner, sits at No. 23 in the rankings. Both players have spent years competing at the highest level of men’s tennis.
The exhibition will offer a different setting for a matchup that has frequently featured in major ATP tournaments. Medvedev is currently competing at the Shanghai Masters, while Rublev exited the Chinese event in the second round after losing 6-4, 6-4 to Japan’s Rei Sakamoto.
“December 5. See you at the WOW Cup,” Medvedev wrote on social media, announcing the upcoming event.
Medvedev and Rublev share close friendship and competitive rivalry
Their relationship extends well beyond the tennis court. Medvedev and Rublev have known each other since childhood and are close friends, having grown up in the same Russian tennis environment. Rublev is also the godfather of Medvedev’s eldest daughter, Alisa, reflecting the personal bond between the two players.
That friendship has not prevented Medvedev from holding a clear advantage in their professional rivalry. The pair have met 11 times on the ATP Tour, with Medvedev leading their head-to-head record 9-2 following his victory in the 2026 Hangzhou Open final. He won that match 7-5, 6-4, adding another result to a matchup in which he has generally controlled the exchanges.
Head-to-head: Medvedev leads 8-2.
| Date | Tournament | Round | Winner | Score |
| Sep 2026 | Hangzhou | Final | Medvedev | 7-5, 6-4 |
| Nov 2023 | ATP Finals | RR | Medvedev | 6-4, 6-2 |
| Aug 2023 | US Open | QF | Medvedev | 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 |
| Feb 2023 | Dubai | Final | Medvedev | 6-2, 6-2 |
| Nov 2022 | ATP Finals | RR | Rublev | 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 |
| Aug 2021 | Cincinnati Masters | SF | Rublev | 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 |
| Feb 2021 | Australian Open | QF | Medvedev | 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 |
| Aug 2020 | US Open | QF | Medvedev | 7-6, 6-3, 7-6 |
| Sep 2019 | St. Petersburg | QF | Medvedev | 6-4, 7-5 |
| Aug 2019 | Cincinnati Masters | QF | Medvedev | 6-2, 6-3 |
Medvedev has also won their most recent meetings at the ATP Finals in 2023 and the US Open quarter-finals that same year. Rublev’s victories include a three-set win over Medvedev in the 2021 Cincinnati Masters semi-finals and a dramatic match at the 2022 ATP Finals, where he prevailed in a deciding-set tiebreak.
Their contrasting styles help shape the rivalry. Medvedev relies on his deep court positioning, defensive coverage and ability to redirect pace, while Rublev is known for his aggressive baseline hitting and powerful forehand.
The December exhibition will not affect their official head-to-head record, but it will give fans another opportunity to watch two longtime friends compete against each other.
Medvedev and Rublev sharing a laugh together in Shanghai 🥰 @DaniilMedwed @AndreyRublev97 @SH_RolexMasters #RolexShanghaiMasters https://t.co/4qhEDNdERL
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 3, 2025
Medvedev faces busy end to the season before Moscow exhibition
Medvedev is also approaching a demanding end to the season, with the Russian on course to qualify for the ATP Finals for the seventh time in his career after appearing at the event every year from 2019 to 2024. Having missed the 2025 edition, the world No. 6 currently sits eighth in the ATP Race and remains in contention at the Shanghai Masters, where he is among the title contenders.
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The Russian will look to strengthen his position in the coming days when he faces Tommy Paul in the Shanghai quarter-finals. A victory could bring him closer to securing his place in Turin, where Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have already qualified, with five spots still to be confirmed.
The ATP Finals will take place in Turin from November 15 to 22, leaving Medvedev with just over a week before his next scheduled appearance. His Moscow exhibition against Rublev will offer a different kind of occasion, bringing together two of the leading Russian players of the past decade outside the week-to-week pressure of the ATP Tour.
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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