Former world number one Daniil Medvedev sent a strong message to his rivals ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam by claiming the Brisbane International title with a composed straight-sets victory over American Brandon Nakashima.
The three-time Australian Open runner-up delivered a polished performance on Sunday, winning 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) in the final played at Pat Rafter Arena. The match lasted one hour and 36 minutes and marked Medvedev’s 22nd ATP Tour title.
Medvedev dominated the opening set, breaking Nakashima’s serve twice to quickly establish control. His aggressive baseline play and precise serving left the American struggling to find rhythm early in the contest.
Nakashima, however, showed resilience in the second set. He raised his level, saved match points, and forced a tense tie-break. Despite the brief momentum shift, Medvedev’s experience proved decisive as he surged to a commanding 5-0 lead in the breaker, effectively sealing the match.
Reflecting on the contest, Medvedev acknowledged his opponent’s fightback but was satisfied with his overall display. He described the win as an ideal way to begin the new season, especially with the Australian Open fast approaching.
The victory also carried personal significance for Medvedev, who had previously reached the Brisbane final in 2019. Returning years later to finally lift the trophy added extra meaning to his strong start in 2026.
With the Australian Open set to begin in Melbourne on January 18, Medvedev heads into the Grand Slam with confidence, momentum, and renewed belief that he can once again challenge for one of tennis’s most prestigious titles.
Match Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Brisbane International |
| Finalists | Daniil Medvedev vs Brandon Nakashima |
| Final Score | 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) |
| Match Duration | 96 minutes |
| Venue | Pat Rafter Arena |
| Medvedev ATP Titles | 22 |
Key Highlights from the Final
| Aspect | Observation |
|---|---|
| First Set | Medvedev broke serve twice and dominated |
| Second Set | Nakashima forced a tie-break with strong recovery |
| Tie-break | Medvedev raced to a 5-0 lead |
| Season Impact | Confidence boost ahead of Australian Open |
| Career Note | First Brisbane title after 2019 final loss |
Medvedev’s commanding Brisbane triumph underlines his readiness for the challenges ahead. As the tennis world turns its attention to Melbourne, the Russian star has firmly positioned himself as a serious contender for Grand Slam glory once again.
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