Medvedev Dominates, Duckworth Continues Resurgence as Almaty Open Semifinal Spots are Decided
Almaty, Kazakhstan – October 17, 2025 – Day 7 of the 2025 Almaty Open delivered a gripping mix of dominant performances and unexpected results, shaping an intriguing semifinal lineup at the ATP 250 event. While the top remaining seed, Daniil Medvedev, cruised into the final four, the biggest story of the day was the powerful resurgence of Australian veteran James Duckworth and the breakthrough performance of rising American star Alex Michelsen.
The Quarterfinals day began with a decisive victory that signaled a return to form for one of the ATP Tour’s most dedicated players. James Duckworth of Australia, currently fighting to climb back up the rankings after a challenging mid-season stretch, delivered a masterclass in aggressive hardcourt tennis to dispatch the third seed, Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2.
Cobolli, known primarily for his success on clay, was unable to handle the consistency and depth of Duckworth’s groundstrokes. The Australian capitalized on early breaks in both sets and maintained relentless pressure, serving with surgical precision when needed. For Duckworth, who had not been past the quarterfinal stage of an ATP 250 event this deep into the 2025 season, the win is a crucial injection of ranking points and confidence. His strong run in Almaty is proving that the 33-year-old still has the quality to compete with the sport’s younger, higher-ranked talents, marking a significant late-season achievement for the veteran.
Following Duckworth onto Center Court was the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw, the second seed Daniil Medvedev. The former World No. 1 needed a tight first set to establish his rhythm before overwhelming Hungary’s Fábián Marozsan, securing his semifinal berth with a 7-5, 6-2 victory.
Medvedev, a known connoisseur of indoor hardcourts, struggled momentarily with Marozsan’s unconventional net play and powerful forehand. However, once the Russian found the range on his deep returns and trademark defensive counter-punching, the match’s balance shifted irrevocably. The win is especially vital for Medvedev’s 2025 campaign, as he is currently locked in a desperate battle to secure one of the final spots in the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin. Entering the week just outside the cut-off, the 100+ points secured by reaching the Almaty semifinals are absolutely crucial to his chances of qualifying for the season-ending showpiece, a tournament he previously won. The title is now firmly in his sights, and his indoor form suggests he will be a heavy favorite for the remainder of the week.
The afternoon session also featured a significant milestone victory for American Next Gen talent Alex Michelsen. In the only three-set battle of the day, the sixth seed outlasted Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki in a fiercely contested match between two of the Tour’s promising young stars, prevailing 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.
Michelsen, currently ranked inside the top 35, has enjoyed a sensational 2025 season marked by a steady climb and a reputation for poise under pressure. The victory over Mochizuki—a fellow 20-year-old—secures the first ATP 250 semifinal appearance of Michelsen’s career, solidifying his status as a major contender for the Next Gen ATP Finals at the end of the year. After dropping the second set due to a slight dip in his first-serve percentage, Michelsen re-focused in the decider, breaking early and never looking back. His ability to elevate his power game when necessary, combined with his natural net skills, proved the difference in a match that lasted over two hours. The win is a massive moment for the young American and sets up a compelling semi-final showdown against his veteran countryman, James Duckworth.
The day’s schedule was rounded out by the first of the doubles semi-finals, which saw the German pair of Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner secure their place in the final, overcoming the unseeded duo of Marc Romios and Ryan Roggerman, 6-4, 7-5, on Court 1.
The Final Semifinal Spot: Struff vs. Moutet Awaits
As of the time of this report, the final singles quarterfinal match is yet to begin. The clash between Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff and the eighth seed, France’s Corentin Moutet, is scheduled to be played “Not Before 19:00” local time, meaning the article is being posted before the result is known.
The match promises to be a dramatic clash of styles. Struff, a veteran of the Tour and one of the sport’s most powerful servers, will look to dominate with his first strike, especially on the fast indoor surface of the Almaty Arena. Standing in his way is the tricky Frenchman, Moutet, a talented left-hander whose defensive scrambling, deceptive drop shots, and ability to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm have led him to a career-defining year.
The pair’s head-to-head record is currently 2-0 in favour to Corentin Moutet. The winner of this late-night encounter will earn the right to face Alex Michelsen in Saturday’s semifinal. Tennis fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the outcome to complete the Almaty Open semifinal lineup.
