Doha, February 16, 2026 – Daniil Medvedev kicked off his Qatar ExxonMobil Open campaign with a commanding 6–4, 6–2 victory over Juncheng Shang in the Round of 32 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
The 2023 Doha champion showcased his trademark serve, blasting six aces and winning 79% of his first-serve points. Shang, ranked No. 259 and returning from injury with a protected ranking, struggled to find opportunities, failing to convert his lone breakpoint chance. Medvedev, meanwhile, capitalized on three of his eight breakpoints to secure the straight-sets win.
“This was a solid start,” Medvedev said. “I focused on my serve and staying aggressive. Shang is a talented player, so I’m glad I could control the match and get the win.”
The match marked the first professional meeting between the two players. Medvedev’s victory ends a recent two-match losing streak, giving him momentum as he advances to the Round of 16, eager to claim his first title of 2026.
Match Stats
| Statistic | Daniil Medvedev | Juncheng Shang |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 6, 6 | 4, 2 |
| Aces | 6 | 1 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 2 |
| First Serve % | 79% | 66% |
| Breakpoints Won | 3/8 | 0/1 |
| Total Points Won | 66 | 46 |
Medvedev will face his next opponent in the Round of 16 as he aims to reclaim the Doha title and build confidence in the early season.
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