Confusion at Qatar Open as Medvedev Retires Mid-Match
There was widespread confusion at the Qatar Open on Thursday when Daniil Medvedev unexpectedly retired from his quarter-final match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Auger-Aliassime had just secured the first set 6-3 and returned to his bench for the changeover. Meanwhile, Medvedev approached the chair umpire, prompting an announcement that the Russian had retired from the match. He then left the court without shaking hands with his opponent, leaving both Auger-Aliassime and commentators baffled by his abrupt decision.
A Sudden Exit Despite Recent Momentum
Medvedev has endured a challenging season so far, going 1-1 at both the Australian Open and Rotterdam Open. However, he seemed to be regaining form in Doha, winning consecutive matches for the first time in 2025.
The world No. 6 had secured a strong victory over defending champion Karen Khachanov in his opening match before dismantling Nuno Borges in the next round, dropping just three games. But his Qatar Open campaign came to an unexpected halt when he retired against Auger-Aliassime after losing four straight games to drop the first set 6-3.
No Warning Signs Before the Withdrawal
Unlike most mid-match retirements, there were no clear signs of injury or discomfort from Medvedev before his decision. Auger-Aliassime, unaware of what was happening, remained on his bench for the usual end-of-set break—only for Medvedev to walk past his seat, go straight to umpire Mohamed Lahyani, and engage in a brief conversation.
A visibly confused Auger-Aliassime turned to his coaching box, looking for answers, as the umpire announced Medvedev’s withdrawal:
“Ladies and gentlemen, due to illness, Mr. Medvedev cannot continue. Auger-Aliassime wins by 6-3, retirement.”
Commentators Arvind Palmer and Lee Goodall were just as stunned.
“I didn’t notice anything,” Palmer remarked, while Goodall added, “That took us all by surprise. Scratching my head here. Did not see that coming. I don’t think there was even a handshake—just put the racket away and left.”
Auger-Aliassime Advances Amidst Another Retirement
This marks the second time in the tournament that Auger-Aliassime has advanced due to a retirement. In the previous round, he received a walkover after Hamad Medjedovic withdrew following an injury sustained in his win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Now through to the semi-finals, Auger-Aliassime will face fifth seed Andrey Rublev as he looks to secure a spot in the final.
