Daniil Medvedev commented on Alexander Bublik's withdrawal from the semifinal match of Almaty Open-2026 due to an injury. The Russian expressed hope that the damage would not be too serious and that Bublik would still be able to return to the court before the end of the season. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

The semifinal ended after the first set, which Medvedev won 6:3. Bublik entered the match with a knee injury sustained the day before in the quarterfinal against Karen Khachanov.

Medvedev noted that knee injuries are especially unpleasant for tennis players and recalled that he himself had faced similar problems before the American tournament series.

"I just hope it's nothing too serious, because a knee is always a difficult injury. I myself struggled a bit with my knee before the American series, so it's not the best part of the body for injuries.

I hope it's nothing serious, and maybe he can even play again this year. It would be great to see that. But yes, it's very frustrating," said Daniil.

After Bublik's withdrawal, Medvedev reached the Almaty Open final for the second year in a row. In the decisive match, he will face Nikoloz Basilashvili.

The Georgian started the tournament from qualifying and has already won six matches in a row. In the semifinal, Basilashvili defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6:4, 6:7 (5:7), 6:3.

Medvedev noted the form of his future opponent and expects a tough encounter.

"Nikoloz is a very dangerous opponent when he's in a groove, and this week he's definitely in his best form. I expect a very tough match, I need to show my best tennis.

I really like Nikoloz, I can call him a friend and I'm happy for him, but of course, tomorrow I'll try to win."

This season, Medvedev has struggled during matches in hot weather, including at Roland Garros. Other top tennis players, such as Jannik Sinner, have faced similar problems.

Responding to a question from a Kursiv correspondent, Medvedev explained how difficult it is for tennis players to prepare for matches in extremely high temperatures.

According to him, players use various methods of adaptation, but it is impossible to completely negate the effects of heat.

"It's a difficult question, because I think there are many techniques. I'm sure that both Sinner and I try to use them to prepare as best as possible for the heat and to be able to play in it.

I've always wondered if there is some kind of genetic factor here – whether you are born with greater tolerance to heat. Because there are players: after a match you ask them if it was hard, they say 'Yes', but on TV you watch – normal game, everyone is fresh.

But for me, for example, when it's hot, it's frankly hard."

Medvedev noted that among adaptation methods, athletes use saunas and increased fluid intake during matches, but this is not always enough.

"There are some techniques – going to the sauna, drinking more during changeovers. But it doesn't make the whole weather. So if you have any advice on the internet, you can write to me later – theoretically I might listen."

Recall that Almaty Open is taking place from October 17 to 25 at the Almaty Arena. The ATP 250 tournament with a prize fund of $1.07 million is being held in the southern capital of Kazakhstan for the third time.