Daniil Medvedev is the champion in Almaty once again, having defended a title for the first time in his career.
The Russian, who was the top seed in Kazakhstan this week, was the favourite to retain his crown despite the stacked roster.
Stars like Alexander Bublik, Karen Khachanov, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev were all present, but it was the 30-year-old who reigned supreme. He was imperious throughout, but was particularly impressive in the final as he came from a set down to beat Nikoloz Basilashvili.
Speaking after lifting his fourth title of the year, and a 25th of his career, Daniil Medvedev was naturally delighted with his run of form.
So, it made sense that he then discussed how this might translate into Grand Slam success in the near future.
Daniil Medvedev rates his Grand Slam chances after winning the title in Almaty
Medvedev may have won a Grand Slam title before, but he is a five-time finalist at this level. Competing for these events is nothing new to him.
However, at 30 years of age and having suffered for form and consistency, many had written off his chances. When he won the Almaty Open title in 2025, it ended an 882-day wait for a trophy.
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This is a sport where it feels like things can change in an instant, and all of a sudden it feels like Medvedev has to be considered a threat once again.
Responding to a question at his Almaty Open championship press conference, asked on behalf of Tennishead, he rates his chances of winning another Grand Slam title before he retires, noting: “Yeah, I mean, if I can play good, maybe I can win.
“If I play like I did the last times, like I played against this year, was against Jan-Lennard [Struff] and Frances [Tiafoe], if you’re talking about the ones that were maybe closer to quarters and stuff like this.
“If I play like I did against them, I won’t win, because I will lose in three straight sets. [laughs].
“So, the goal is to improve, try to play well.
“This year, I had some really great moments, and it gives a lot of hope that I can continue building on this and try to raise my level even more.”
Medvedev also spoke about whether Alexander Zverev deserved the world number one title during this week, in another exclusive for Tennishead.
Daniil Medvedev defends a title for the first time in his career
As aforementioned, this triumph marks the first time that Medvedev has ever successfully defended a title.
In the past, he had actually never won the same title twice.
That all changed when he won Dubai earlier this year, repeating his triumph from 2023.
All of Daniil Medvedev’s titles in 2026
- Brisbane Open
- Dubai Open
- Hangzhou Open
- Almaty Open
Medvedev is a completely unique player, and a great personality for the sport. It’s therefore no surprise that he would hold such odd records.
If there is any title he likely wishes he could repeat, it’s surely the US Open.
However, coming into the Australian Open in such fine form, there’s no reason why he can’t have aspirations of challenging for the trophy once again.
