“I couldn’t catch my breath,” Daniil Medvedev finally shares details of why he had to retire from his quarterfinals match in Doha
Daniil Medvedev retired from his quarterfinal match against Felix Auger-Aliassime while down at 3-6 in the first set in Doha.
Daniil Medvedev (via X)
Daniil Medvedev was forced to retire from his quarterfinal match at the Qatar Open after he told the tournament officials that it was good poisoning. The Russian star is now in Dubai to take part in the second part of the Middle East swing and has revealed that was beyond the food poisoning, as he couldn’t breathe well.
The World No.6 is yet to reach a tournament final this season and has not won any title since 2023. He began the 2025 season poorly by losing to American youngster Learner Tien in the second round of the Australian Open. He then exited the Open 13 Provence tournament in the quarterfinals after losing to Hamad Medjedovic.
However, in Doha, Medvedev found some form after defeating his fellow compatriot Karen Khachanov in three sets. He then played outstanding tennis in the second round to beat Zizou Bergs in straight sets. In the quarterfinal match against Felix Auger-Aliassime, the Russian was done 3-6 after the first set and decided to retire.
According to the official report, it was said that he retired because of food poisoning. Nonetheless during an interview, he opened up that he was struggling with his breath even before his match against Auger-Aliassime.
Before the match with Felix, we were warming up with a fitness trainer – I was the only one there with him – I threw him some four balls and just sat on a chair; I couldn’t catch my breath; it was just some kind of horror. After the match with Felix, I was lying down, and it seemed to me that I had a fever and that I needed to go to the hospital, but the next day, I already felt a little better. And it seems to be letting up now, so I hope I will be 100% ready.
Daniil Medvedev said via Championat
Medvedev currently holds a 6-4 win-loss record this season, which has been below his standard in recent years. The Russian is at the Dubai Tennis Championship, where he’s the top seed and favorite to win the title.
Daniil Medvedev feels “amazing” to be back at the Dubai Tennis Championship
Daniil Medvedev last won the Dubai Tennis Championship in 2023, the year he achieved stellar heights on the court. That year, he recorded an impressive run of 19-match win streak, which began from the Rotterdam Open to Qatar and then Dubai. He failed to reach the same height last season but he’s willing to do so this time around.
Ahead of his first-round match at the tournament, he revealed that he was in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championship six times in role and feels great to aim for one more again.
It’s unique, I don’t think I have ever won three tournaments in a row. I was [once] in the finals six times in a row, I won three of them, and only two in a row. It [feels] especially amazing.
Daniil Medvedev said via ATP
Medvedev will face Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round of the Dubai Championship. The Russian star has faced the German once this season and got the better of him in 6-3, 6-2 at the Rotterdam Open.
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