Medvedev wins Brisbane International as Australian Open build-up gains momentum
Daniil Medvedev took another confident step toward the Australian Open by securing the Brisbane International men’s singles title with a straight-sets victory over Brandon Nakashima. The former world number one claimed a 6–2, 7–6(1) win in one hour and 34 minutes, giving him his first season-opening tournament triumph since 2018.
The Russian, who has reached three Australian Open finals in his career, used the Brisbane event not just as a warm-up but as a serious opportunity to build rhythm and confidence ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam.
Medvedev said after the match that he came to Brisbane with the intention of starting the season strongly rather than simply preparing for Melbourne. He described the title as an important boost for his confidence after weeks of preparation.
Fast start sets the tone
Medvedev wasted no time asserting control in the final, racing into a 3–0 lead with his first serve firing and his return game immediately unsettling Nakashima. The American, a former junior world number three, struggled early with nerves and unforced errors, allowing Medvedev to dictate the tempo.
Although Nakashima briefly found his range and even earned a break point, Medvedev stayed composed, capitalising on loose shots to maintain his advantage and close out the opening set comfortably.
The second set proved more competitive, with Nakashima improving his movement and shot selection. Medvedev, however, continued to create pressure, mixing deep baseline rallies with occasional net approaches as he tested different tactical options ahead of the Australian Open.
Calm under pressure
Medvedev’s relaxed demeanor throughout the week had been noticeable, and even in moments of frustration he quickly refocused. While serving for the match, he was pushed by Nakashima, who fought hard to create break points and keep the contest alive.
The Brisbane crowd hoped for a decider, but Medvedev produced his best tennis in the tie-break, racing to a 7–1 win with a combination of heavy groundstrokes and well-timed aces. It sealed his 22nd ATP Tour title, with each of his career trophies coming at a different tournament.
A strong signal before Melbourne
While Medvedev was not at his absolute peak throughout the week, his ability to win comfortably without being at full throttle underlined his consistency and experience at the top level. With Melbourne Park just days away, the Brisbane title places him firmly among the leading contenders for the Australian Open.
Medvedev acknowledged that when he is playing well, very few players can beat him easily, and he is encouraged by the level he is currently showing. With rivals such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner also in form, he knows the challenge will be tough, but Brisbane has given him the platform he wanted.
Other highlights from Brisbane
The men’s doubles final saw Portuguese-Austrian duo Francisco Cabral and Lucas Miedler defeat top seeds and defending champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in a closely fought match, winning 6–3, 3–6, 10–8.
The tournament also marked the debut of wheelchair singles in Brisbane, where Britain’s Alfie Hewett produced a dominant performance to beat Spain’s Martín de la Puente 6–3, 6–1. Hewett, the reigning Australian Open champion, once again showed why he remains one of the sport’s leading figures.
Momentum building for the Australian Open
With both Aryna Sabalenka and Daniil Medvedev leaving Brisbane with singles titles, the tournament has once again proven to be a key launchpad for players targeting success in Melbourne.
For Medvedev, the Brisbane crown is more than just another trophy. It is a statement of intent, confidence, and readiness as he heads to the Australian Open in search of a long-awaited Grand Slam breakthrough in Melbourne.
SportsLigue