The former world number one defeated Brandon Nakashima in straight sets to stake his claim as an Australian Open contender.
Published January 11, 2026
Three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev set himself up to storm into this year’s Grand Slam opening round in perfect shape with victory in the Brisbane International final.
The Russian world No. 13 won his 22nd ATP Tour title on Sunday with a 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) victory over American Brandon Nakashima in 96 minutes at Pat Rafter Arena.
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Medvedev broke a shocked Nakajima twice in the first set and immediately set his sights on victory.
Nakajima rallied in the second run to force a tie-break, but the hulking Russian broke for a 5-0 lead and the match was all but over.
“We started pretty well, but then Brandon came back and saved some match points and almost took it to the third set,” Medvedev said.
The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on January 18th.
“It’s been a great start to the year,” said Medvedev, who reached the final in Brisbane in 2019.
“That’s when I said I was going to come back and win. I came back seven or eight years later and I’m happy to have the trophy.”
