The 2024 Dubai Open has reached the semifinal stage, and it’s all set for a clash between Daniil Medvedev and Ugo Humbert. The past week has witnessed both players overcoming tough opponents in challenging encounters to reach this stage. The World No.4 stepped into the tournament as the defending champion. As for the Frenchman, he’s closer than ever to a first title in Dubai. With both players gunning to reach their second final of the year, it’ll be a match to watch. Here’s everything you need to know before they step on court.

Daniil Medvedev vs Ugo Humbert: Preview

Medvedev entered 2024 ranked third, following a tremendous run in 2023. He began 2024 on a high note, reaching the final at the Australian Open, though it was no easy feat. The former World No.1 played three five-set matches on his way to the championship game. And the final against Jannik Sinner was his fourth. But this time, he couldn’t out-last his opponent. However, that loss seems to have encouraged him further, if anything.

Coming to Dubai, Meddy has managed to overcome three great players. In the first round, he defeated Alexander Shevchenko, 6-3, 7-5. In the round of 16, he fought his way past Lorenzo Sonego in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. And in the quarterfinals, he comfortably beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2, 6-3. Now, he has another chance to reach the final.

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Humbert started 2024 with a second-round loss at the Brisbane International. He then competed in the Australian Open, making it to the third round before being knocked out by Hubert Hurkacz. However, the Frenchman followed it with a good outing in the Open 13, winning his fifth ATP title. He followed it up with two less-than-ideal performances in the ATP Rotterdam and Qatar Open, where he was eliminated in the first and second rounds, respectively.

In his first two matches in Dubai, Humbert defeated compatriot Gael Monfils in a hard-fought battle (4-6, 6-3, 6-3) and Andy Murray (6-2, 6-4). The semifinal against Hurkacz was revenge for the Australian Open, and the Frenchman came from a set down to beat the Pole to reach the semifinals in Dubai (3-6, 7-6, 6-3). That being said, how do Medvedev and Humbert stack up against each other?

Medvedev vs Humbert: Head-to-Head

Daniil Medvedev and Ugo Humbert have met each other three times on the ATP Tour. The Hamburg Open held their first match in 2020 where Humbert would be the victor in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. Their next bout was at the 2022 ATP Cup, where Humbert came out on top yet again. But this time, it was a hard-fought, three-set win, 6-7, 7-5, 7-6. 

Their most recent meeting came at the 2023 Beijing Open, where the Russian player emerged victorious in a rousing three-set clash. The final score read 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. Come the semifinal clash in Dubai, Humbert would have the 2-1 H2H advantage, and Medvedev would have the advantage of experience, having been in this same spot a year ago. But who’ll emerge victorious in their fourth match?

Prediction: Medvedev to continue his title defense 

While Humbert has shown impressive results in 2024, making the most of his opportunities whenever he could, his run in Dubai is likely to end in the semifinal. Medvedev has experience on his side, as well as the fact that hard courts are his best surface. Compared to Humbert’s 7-2 win-loss record on hard courts in 2024, Medvedev’s is 9-1. And that one loss was as the AO final. As the defending champion, he looks like he’s in the form to have the chance to add another Dubai title to his name.

However, given Ugo Humbert’s lefty game and ability to mix it up with pacey groundstrokes or occasional drop shots, his match against Daniil Medvedev will make for an enticing watch. And no matter the result, their bout is going to be exciting. 

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