Daniil Medvedev just scored a major victory, and it's about more than just one match. He's keeping his hopes alive for a spot at the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals in Turin! But here's where it gets controversial: can he actually pull it off? Let's break down his recent win and what it means for his chances.
Medvedev Avenges Cincinnati Loss, Advances in Almaty
In a thrilling turn of events at the Almaty Open on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Daniil Medvedev, currently holding a 35-21 record for the season according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, secured a hard-fought victory against Australian player Adam Walton. This ATP 250 quarter-final berth was sweet revenge for Medvedev, who had previously fallen to Walton in Cincinnati back in August. The final score: 7-5, 7-6(0) in Medvedev's favor.
Kazakhstan proved to be a different story. The second-seeded Medvedev showed incredible resilience, especially in the second set where he trailed 1-4. He fended off a critical four break points in the sixth game, preventing Walton from extending his lead to a seemingly insurmountable 5-1. And this is the part most people miss: that single game was the turning point. Had Walton capitalized, the match could have easily swung in his favor.
Following that crucial hold, Medvedev shifted gears. He began dictating the rallies with increased depth on his baseline shots, unleashing 12 winners in the second set alone. After an hour and 45 minutes of intense tennis, Medvedev clinched the win. This victory comes on the heels of semi-final appearances in Shanghai and Beijing, marking eight wins in his last ten matches. Next up for Medvedev is a match against Fabian Marozsan.
Medvedev himself acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating, "It was a very tough match. The game at 1-4, I think I saved four or five break points. It was crucial because then I managed to break back and get back into my rhythm, so I am pleased to have defeated a tough opponent." This win evens his Lexus ATP Head2Head record with Walton at 1-1.
Turin Dreams: Can Medvedev Make It?
At 29 years old, Medvedev is still hungry for his first title since 2023. This victory bumps him up one spot to 14th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin. The Nitto ATP Finals, featuring the top eight players of the season, are within reach, but the clock is ticking. Medvedev trails eighth-placed Lorenzo Musetti by 1025 points. Musetti currently occupies the last qualifying spot. Can Medvedev close that gap with only a few tournaments remaining? That's the million-dollar question!
Michelsen and Mochizuki Set Up Quarter-Final Clash
In other Almaty Open action, Shintaro Mochizuki and Alex Michelsen secured their spots in the quarter-finals, setting up an intriguing match-up. Mochizuki, the rising Japanese star, defeated fourth-seeded Italian Luciano Darderi in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3. This marks his first tour-level quarter-final appearance of the season.
The 22-year-old Mochizuki, who reached the semi-finals in Tokyo in 2023, is on the rise. He jumps 10 spots to No. 92 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and is projected to break into the Top 100 for the first time on Monday. His dominant baseline performance against Darderi on the indoor hard court secured his victory in just 65 minutes.
Michelsen, on the other hand, arrived in Almaty looking to snap a five-match losing streak. He's found success in Kazakhstan, first defeating Beibit Zhukayev in the first round, followed by a 6-3, 6-2 victory against Aleksandar Vukic.
So, what do you think? Does Medvedev have what it takes to make it to Turin? Will his aggressive baseline game be enough to overcome the points deficit? And who are you rooting for in the Michelsen vs. Mochizuki quarter-final? Let us know your predictions in the comments below! It's worth noting that some tennis analysts believe Medvedev's reliance on a defensive style might be a disadvantage against more aggressive players in the Finals. Do you agree with that assessment? We want to hear your thoughts!
