ALMATY/STARNBERG, October 22, 2026

Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov secured their places in the quarterfinals of the Almaty Open on Thursday, although their paths to the last eight could hardly have been more different. While top seed Medvedev delivered a commanding straight-sets performance against Japan’s Sho Shimabukuro, fifth seed Khachanov had to dig deep to overcome Czech contender Tomas Machac in a three-set thriller.

Medvedev Makes Short Work of Shimabukuro

Medvedev needed just 52 minutes to dispatch Shimabukuro 6-2, 6-1 on the indoor hard courts. The world number five controlled proceedings from the outset, using deep returns and consistent baseline play to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm.

The Russian broke serve repeatedly in the opening set, while his own delivery remained largely untouchable. He fired seven aces and won 81 per cent of points behind his first serve to establish a comfortable advantage.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Medvedev maintaining the pressure and capitalising on Shimabukuro’s errors. The Japanese struggled to find consistency, recording four double faults and facing a total of ten break points. Medvedev eventually wrapped up the contest after winning six consecutive games.

Quick day in the office 🏢

Defending champion @DaniilMedwed eases past Shimabukuro 6-2 6-1 in 52 minutes!

#AlmatyOpen https://t.co/5X7OXnlKoN

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 22, 2026

Asked whether he changes his approach when comfortably ahead, the 2021 US Open champion explained that his focus remains the same regardless of the score.

“The goal is to make an ace, and it doesn’t matter if the score is 0-4 or 4-0,” Medvedev said. “Maybe I was just a bit more aggressive than I would be if it were 4-all, but actually nothing.”

The convincing victory also provided a welcome confidence boost following the transition from outdoor to indoor conditions.

“Honestly, confidence, because it’s never easy to come from one tournament to another, especially also outdoor to indoor. It’s a little bit of altitude here, so never easy, but I’m happy that I showed a great level and that’s what I’m taking to the next match,” he added.

Medvedev also pointed to the playing conditions as one reason behind his improved performances during the Asian swing, explaining that the balls suit his game better than those used during the US swing.

Khachanov Edges Machac in Dramatic Tiebreak

Khachanov faced a considerably tougher challenge against Machac, eventually prevailing 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(7) after a gripping battle.

The fifth seed made an impressive start, using his powerful serve and aggressive forehand to dictate the opening set. An early break allowed the Russian to take control, closing out the opener 6-2.

Machac responded impressively in the second set, increasing the tempo and taking the ball earlier to put Khachanov under pressure. The Czech’s aggressive approach paid dividends as he secured the crucial break needed to level the match at one set apiece.

The deciding set developed into a tense battle, with both players fighting hard for every point. Machac continued to threaten, creating several break opportunities, but Khachanov stood firm when it mattered most. The Russian ultimately prevailed in a dramatic tiebreak, edging it 9-7 to complete the victory.

Reflecting on the intensity of the encounter, Khachanov praised the level of tennis produced by both players.

“We played really, really great tennis at a high level. He pushed me to the limits. I stayed there, I survived,” he said.

Discussing his approach during the decisive moments, the former Almaty champion emphasised the importance of trusting his instincts and taking the initiative.

“At the end of the day, you need to play with your instincts. I had to just kind of step up, to show it to him, my intensity, my speed of the ball, let’s say, and then to try to take a lead if I have a chance.”

The enthusiastic support of the Almaty crowd also played an important role in helping Khachanov through the closing stages.

“People were cheering a lot for me. They were giving me a lot of energy to keep fighting, to try to kind of somehow to get this win. It’s always a joy to play in front of a packed crowd cheering your name,” he said.