The 2025 season hasn’t been kind to Daniil Medvedev and its consistency has taken yet another toll on him. A slow start to the season after facing an early exit at the Australian Open wasn’t enough, and now the Russian star had to deal with a major setback in Doha. Meddy was officially ruled out of the title race for the Qatar Open and the reasons will likely shock you. A truly disappointing update, considering that he only started picking up the pace.

Meddy jetted for the Doha event on the back of a semifinal finish at the Open 13. He showcased a fine form against Round of 32 opponent Karen Khachanov and later, displaced Zizou Bergs in straight sets to book a date against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Despite a modest showing in the contest’s opening games, Meddy was unable to capitalize on his strengths which ultimately cost him the first set. However, just when fans thought that he would bounce back stronger in the second, Meddy pulled out.

The latest updates show us that the fourth seed forfeited his match to the Canadian sensation due to illness. Though more information about his medical status is yet to be revealed, this isn’t a good look for Meddy. He has yet to register a noteworthy result this year. Moreover, a medical issue might rule him out for the upcoming clay court swing, potentially affecting his chances of maintaining a fine form at the French Open.

As for Aliassime, fate has drawn an easy path for the Canadian player in Qatar. Before stepping into the ring against Meddy and registering a walkover victory, the 24-year-old had received a walkover in the previous round. He will now lock horns with Russian Andrey Rublev for a place in the summit clash in Doha.

Before taking on the task, the Canadian player shared a few words about his growing success in Qatar.

Felix Auger-Aliassime admits it was “weird” cruising past Daniil Medvedev

Winning a match after giving in your everything versus winning a match after your opponent retires. It’s not the same feeling. It was the same for Felix Auger-Aliassime when he booked a semifinal spot in Doha after Daniil Medvedev withdrew mid-match against him. Later during an on-court interview, the 24-year-old talked about his one-week journey at the Qatar Open saying:

“It’s weird at the same time, because I’m fresh, but in a way [there] is nothing like winning and actually finishing the match and feeling like, ‘Okay, I deserved it, I went through.’ This time it’s a little bit more weird,” he said. “But look, I have to be professional and keep going and playing, and hopefully go all the way to the final.” Aliassime also talked about his semifinal opponent Andrey Rublev’s impressive QF win over Aussie Alex de Minaur.

“But yeah, Andrey had an unbelievable match today with Alex. That match deserved two winners, so I was enjoying it in the locker room while waiting for this one,” he added.

For now, the Canadian sensation will stay locked in for his upcoming semifinal matchup and will hope to add his first title for the season in Doha. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.