Champions from the previous two years met in the first round in Doha. The 2023 winner Daniil Medvedev ousted the defending champion Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 31 minutes, earning his best victory of the season.
World no. 6 dropped the opener and moved closer to another early loss. However, Daniil raised his level in the second set and provided a late break to force a decider. The better-ranked Russian served well in the decider and moved over the top with a single break. Medvedev played well behind the first serve but struggled behind the second. Unlike in some previous matches, world no. 6 kept his composure in the pivotal moments and defended six of seven break points, six in the fifth game of the opener.
Meddy On The Move 👏@DaniilMedwed comes back to defeat defending champion Khachanov 4-6 7-5 6-3 in Doha#QatarExxonMobilOpen pic.twitter.com/2MbYlMYUDm
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 18, 2025
Khachanov played against five break points and suffered one break in sets two and three to hit the exit door. Daniil landed 30 winners and 35 unforced errors, while Karen stood on a 35-44 ratio. The better-ranked Russian built a 32-20 lead in service winners and brought the win home.
Medvedev faced a stern challenge in the fifth game of the opening set. The 2023 champion saved six break points and closed a marathon game to avoid the setback. Khachanov left those opportunities behind and made another push on the return at 3-3.
Daniil Medvedev, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
The defending champion grabbed a break at 15 following the rival's loose backhand. Karen cemented the break with a hold at 30 in game eight and served for the opener at 5-4. World no. 21 converted a set point after Daniil's wayward backhand, moving 6-4 up after 57 minutes.
World no. 6 provided six comfortable holds in the second set and kept the pressure on the other side. Khachanov followed that pace and held at love at 4-5 for more drama. Medvedev landed a forehand winner at 30-30 in the 11th game and closed it with a powerful serve.
Daniil Medvedev & Karen Khachanov, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
He made a push on the return at 6-5 and generated a set point following the rival's loose forehand. Karen sent a forehand wide, dropping serve and allowing Daniil to take the set 7-5 and force a decider after an hour and 50 minutes.
The top-10 star gained momentum and served well in the final set. Medvedev landed an ace in the third game for a hold at love and stepped in on the return in the next one. Khachanov sent a backhand beyond the baseline, losing serve and falling 3-1 behind.
Daniil Medvedev, Doha 2025© Stream screenshot
Daniil closed the fifth game with a smash winner at the net and opened a 4-1 gap. Karen struggled on serve in the sixth game, He saved two break point and stayed in touch before facing a match point at 2-5. Khachanov denied it and held to extend his chances.
Medvedev served for the win at 5-3 and generated three match points with a smash winner. World no. 6 seized the third with a powerful serve, booking a place in the second round and earning a much-needed win.
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