© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Alexander Shevchenko hilariously reacted to receiving a nightmare first-round matchup in Dubai as the 23-year-old wanted the draw to be “re-done” after drawing top-seeded Daniil Medvedev.
Shevchenko, who is enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 45 in the world, came to Dubai for his second appearance at the Emirati ATP 500 tournament. While Shevchenko was certainly hoping for a favorable draw, the luck wasn’t on his side as he received the toughest possible first-round opponent, Medvedev – the No. 1 seed and the defending champion in Dubai.
“Basically, I thought it’s better to redo the draw,” Shevchenko jokingly told The National.
Shevchenko on playing against Medvedev in Dubai
When Shevchenko and 28-year-old Medvedev meet in Dubai, it will be the second time that they are facing each other. Last year, Shevchenko made the Madrid Masters third round as a qualifier and set up a meeting against Medvedev. Although Medvedev was the big favorite in their Madrid match, Shevchenko competed extremely well and nearly pulled off an upset before the 2021 US Open champion managed to seal a 4-6 6-1 7-5 win.
Shevchenko acknowledged they are now set to play on a different surface but highlighted he hopes to test Medvedev again and potentially win this time.
“Obviously it’s different playing here (compared to Madrid); he won last year, he’s the defending champion and just a great player. To beat him you have to play your best and hopefully he plays a little bit below his average. Let’s see, let’s hope,” Shevchenko said.
So far, Shevchenko and Medvedev have had completely different seasons. Shevchenko, who recently switched his nationality from Russia to Kazakhstan, has already competed in seven tournaments. On the other side, Medvedev’s lone appearance in 2024 came at the Australian Open, where he made the final before losing to Jannik Sinner.
Shevchenko may have played more matches this year but Medvedev still enters their match as their favorite.
