The tennis world watched a remarkable match in Riyadh as Daniil Medvedev, the top seed in this exhibition event, faced Alexander Zverev of Germany. Medvedev emerged victorious with scores of 6:0 and 6:4, claiming a confident win in a high-profile setting that showcased the sport in a Saudi Arabia venue with international flair.
On the court, the Russian player delivered a complete performance, registering a solid first serve and converting five of his eight break opportunities. He did not shy away from pressure, stringing together five consecutive games in the opening set to seize control early. A moment of levity came when Zverev lightheartedly interrupted the match, prompting a brief medical break for Medvedev before the action continued without pause.
Looking ahead, Medvedev is scheduled to meet Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland in his upcoming encounter. Earlier in the day, Medvedev had faced Andrey Rublev and secured a comeback victory, with the final set tipping the scales at 1:0 in favor of Medvedev after a 6:7 and 6:2 sequence in the preceding frames.
The tournament in Riyadh features a prize fund of 3 million dollars, underscoring its prestige within the global tennis calendar and its role in promoting the sport in the region.
In the latest ATP rankings update, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain continues to hold the top spot with a commanding lead, followed by Rafael Nadal, another Spaniard, in second place. Kasper Ruud of Norway sits in third, while Medvedev ends the year ranked seventh, reflecting a strong finish amid a competitive season for the Russian veteran.
Additionally, former Russian star Yevgeny Kafelnikov commented on Wimbledon participation, noting that political or national developments should not automatically disqualify players from the ATP tour or from the chance to compete at the prestigious event, a sentiment that added to the ongoing debate about eligibility and inclusion in major tournaments.