"I am happy to meet you in the final. I apologize for serving so well today, but I hope we can finish the season strongly like this", Medvedev stated at the awards ceremony following his 7-5, 6-4 victory on 29/9.

The apology was well-founded given his on-court performance. Medvedev hit 23 aces and committed only two double faults in 93 minutes, securing his 24th ATP title. Although Rublev started aggressively, the top seed's serving ability helped him overcome pressure and make crucial differences.

Rublev laughed at his long-time friend's joke. The two Russian players embraced multiple times during the awards ceremony, their on-court rivalry giving way to warm congratulations.

Daniil Medvedev (right) and Andrey Rublev at the Hangzhou Open awards ceremony, in Hangzhou, Trung Quoc, on 29/9/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

"I do not know what to say, because after all these years, we have said so much to each other", Rublev remarked while accepting the runner-up award. "I want to congratulate you and send my regards to you and your family. I hope we will have many more memories in the coming years. Congratulations on the title and good luck for the rest of the season".

This marked the second time the Russian duo had met in an ATP final. Previously, Medvedev had won 6-2, 6-2 in Dubai in 2023. He continued to tease Rublev about larger future encounters: "We have played ATP 500, ATP 250 finals, now it is the turn of masters 1000, and then in 5 years, a grand slam".

The Hangzhou trophy also extended Medvedev's unique statistic: 24 ATP titles achieved across 23 different locations. Dubai remains the only place he has won two times, in 2023 and 2026.

Hangzhou marks Medvedev's third title this season, following victories in Brisbane and Dubai. The 30-year-old player now ranks eighth in the race to the ATP Finals after this tournament, continuing his bid to return to the year-end event in Turin. Last year, he missed the tournament for the first time since 2018.