Andrey Rublev shook off a slow start to defeat Hamad Medjedovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the Barcelona semifinals on Saturday, advancing to his first ATP final of 2026. After dropping the opening set, the Russian found his rhythm on clay, dominating on second serve with a 69% win rate compared to Medjedovic’s 50%.
The opening set belonged to Medjedovic, whose aggressive baseline play troubled Rublev early. But the Serbian’s 38 unforced errors — 15 more than Rublev’s 23 — proved costly as the match wore on. Rublev seized control in the second set, exploiting Medjedovic’s inconsistency to level the match. The third set followed the same script: Rublev’s superior court coverage and shot discipline overwhelmed an increasingly erratic Medjedovic, who struggled to maintain his first-set intensity.
Rublev closed out the victory in commanding fashion, winning 94 total points to Medjedovic’s 79. The Russian’s ability to neutralize Medjedovic’s power game while forcing errors on crucial points underscored the gap in clay-court experience between the two players.
Key Takeaways
- Rublev’s second-serve dominance (69% points won vs. Medjedovic’s 50%) was the decisive factor after he dropped the first set, allowing him to control rallies and apply consistent pressure.
- Medjedovic’s 38 unforced errors compared to Rublev’s 23 reflected the Serbian’s inability to sustain his aggressive baseline game over three sets, with the error count mounting significantly in sets two and three.
- Despite landing 71% of first serves compared to Rublev’s 59%, Medjedovic won just 63% of first-serve points while Rublev converted at 70%, highlighting the Russian’s superior court positioning and return quality.
- Rublev’s 15-point margin in total points won (94-79) underscored his control of the match once he adjusted tactically, exploiting Medjedovic’s 3 double faults and forcing errors on extended rallies.
Player Analysis
Andrey Rublev
Rublev’s comeback demonstrated why he carries a 90-45 career clay record and a 66.7% win rate on the surface. After an uncharacteristically passive first set, he recalibrated his tactics, targeting Medjedovic’s weaker second serve and forcing extended rallies that exposed the Serbian’s rising error count. His 69% second-serve points won was exceptional — well above his clay-court averages — and reflected improved court positioning and anticipation.
The Russian’s 5 aces fell short of his clay-court average of 7.6, but his controlled aggression and disciplined shot selection more than compensated. With just 2 double faults and 23 unforced errors across three sets, Rublev played with the composure of a veteran chasing his 18th career title. This semifinal victory extends his Barcelona run to three consecutive wins and marks a decisive return to form on clay after struggling through the hard-court season.
Hamad Medjedovic
Medjedovic’s semifinal run at Barcelona — featuring upset wins over Alex de Minaur and Nuno Borges — suggested a breakthrough moment on clay. His first-set performance lived up to that billing: aggressive baseline hitting, 6 aces, and enough winners to match Rublev’s 25. But the Serbian’s 12-15 career clay record and 44.4% win rate on the surface caught up with him as the match progressed.
The 38 unforced errors told the story. Medjedovic’s 3 double faults and 50% second-serve win rate left him vulnerable once Rublev began dictating play. Despite landing 71% of first serves — an impressive mark — he couldn’t capitalize, winning just 63% of those points. The lack of clay-court experience showed in the third set, where fatigue and mounting errors eroded his early aggression. Still, reaching his first ATP 500 semifinal represents significant progress for the 21-year-old.
Match Statistics
| Andrey Rublev | Stat | Hamad Medjedovic |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Aces | 6 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 3 |
| 59% | 1st Serve % | 71% |
| 70% | 1st Serve Points Won | 63% |
| 69% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 50% |
| 25 | Winners | 25 |
| 23 | Unforced Errors | 38 |
| 94 | Total Points Won | 79 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Andrey Rublev vs Hamad Medjedovic at Barcelona 2026?
Andrey Rublev defeated Hamad Medjedovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the Barcelona semifinals on April 18, 2026.
How many unforced errors did Medjedovic commit against Rublev?
Hamad Medjedovic committed 38 unforced errors compared to Rublev’s 23, a differential of 15 errors that proved decisive in Rublev’s comeback victory.
What was Rublev’s second-serve win percentage in the Barcelona semifinal?
Andrey Rublev won 69% of his second-serve points against Medjedovic, significantly higher than Medjedovic’s 50% second-serve win rate.
Who won the Barcelona 2026 semifinal?
Andrey Rublev won the Barcelona 2026 semifinal, rallying from a set down to defeat Hamad Medjedovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and advance to the final.
What’s Next
Rublev advances to the Barcelona final, where he will compete for his 18th career title and first trophy of the 2026 season. The Russian’s resurgent clay form — three consecutive wins at Barcelona after a difficult hard-court stretch — positions him as a dangerous contender heading into the tournament’s final match.
