Daniil Medvedev Unsure About ‘Giving More’ After Reaching Shanghai Open Semifinals
Daniil Medvedev is seeking his first title in over two years, following his win over Alex de Minaur.
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Daniil Medvedev (Image via X/TENNISCentel)
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Daniil Medvedev advanced to the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday with a 6-4, 6-4 win over seventh seed Alex de Minaur. The 2019 champion sealed the match with a powerful ace to book his place in his 61st ATP Tour semifinal.
It has been a challenging year for Daniil Medvedev, who has struggled to find consistency at the Grand Slams. The Russian managed only one match win across all four majors in 2025, suffering several early exits. His form in Shanghai, however, has shown signs of improvement. Yet, Medvedev admitted that he might not yet be ready to push himself fully to chase a second title in the city. He said in the post-match press conference:
The year has been very tough. I feel great now, happy to try to end on a high note. I love Shanghai, so I am happy to play good tennis here. It’s not over yet; I will try to give my best in the semifinals. I have already given a lot, but I am not sure if I am ready to give more for this. I just want to give my best. I gave my all throughout the year, and it was a very tough year. I wasn’t playing at my best level, so I am happy that right now I am showing great tennis, great signs of my former self or my new self, and I am just looking for what’s next.
In another quarterfinal match, France’s Arthur Rinderknech earned a straight-sets victory over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, winning 6-3, 6-4. The Frenchman played with confidence and precision, securing a major milestone in his career with the result.
Rinderknech, born in 1995, has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. Known for his powerful serve and calm composure under pressure, he reached his first Shanghai Masters semifinal after previously peaking at a career-high ATP ranking of No. 42.
Daniil Medvedev reaches Shanghai Open semifinals
Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev notched his 50th career win over a Top 10 opponent on Friday at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, defeating Alex de Minaur to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 semifinal of the season.
In a grueling match that featured more than 32 rallies lasting over nine shots, Medvedev managed to outlast the Australian. The 29-year-old hit 11 more winners (27 to 16), made two fewer unforced errors, and dominated on serve — winning 15 of his 16 first-serve points in the second set to seal victory after one hour and 53 minutes.
A former champion in Shanghai in 2019, Medvedev has now reached 50 career semifinals on hard courts, underscoring his dominance on the surface. Of his 20 career titles, 18 have come on hard courts.
The Russian has faced stiff challenges throughout his campaign in Shanghai, including a tough three-set battle against rising star Learner Tien in the fourth round. With his latest win, Medvedev remains on track in his bid for a 21st ATP title.
Alex De Minaur remains in contention for the ATP Finals
Alex de Minaur leaves the Shanghai Masters ranked seventh in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin. His strong performance throughout the season has kept him firmly in contention for a spot at the Nitto ATP Finals.
The Australian holds a 640-point lead over 10th-placed Felix Auger-Aliassime. With ninth-placed Jack Draper sidelined for the rest of the year, De Minaur’s position in the Top 8 looks increasingly secure.
Although he lost to Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, De Minaur showed determination and quality throughout the match. The defeat leaves him trailing 4-8 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head record. De Minaur is now aiming to qualify for the ATP Finals for the second consecutive season. With only a few events remaining, his focus will be on maintaining consistency and closing out the year strongly.
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