The stage is set at the ATP Brisbane International, and tennis fans around the world are buzzing with anticipation. Daniil Medvedev, the former world number one and top seed, is about to square off against a red-hot Brandon Nakashima in a final that promises plenty of fireworks. Both players have blazed their way through the draw, but only one will leave Brisbane with the trophy—and a heap of momentum heading into the Australian Open.
Medvedev’s journey to the final has been a testament to his resilience and evolving game. After a challenging 2025 season, the Russian star regrouped, made significant changes to his team, and worked tirelessly to refine his approach. According to top analyst Benoit Maylin, "I am fully convinced that he can return to play at the highest level. There is a lot of space behind Alcaraz and Sinner, which is why he is perfectly capable of entering the Top 5 of the ATP ranking again and also reaching the third position." That’s a bold prediction, but Medvedev’s recent form suggests it’s not out of reach.
His semifinal clash against American Alex Michelsen showcased his trademark grit. Although the scoreline—6-4, 6-2 in Medvedev’s favor—suggests a straightforward win, the match was anything but easy. Medvedev racked up 27 unforced errors but saved all four break points he faced in the second set, demonstrating nerves of steel when it mattered most. "It was not easy at all. The score doesn't completely reflect the match," Medvedev admitted after the victory. "But I'm happy that in the most important moments, I managed to be better than Alex. That's what you have to do to win the match."
With that win, Medvedev reached his 41st tour-level final, breaking his tie with Alexander Zverev for second most finals among active players—trailing only Novak Djokovic’s remarkable 144. It’s another feather in the cap for a player who was runner-up in Brisbane back in 2019 and who has found renewed purpose heading into 2026.
Medvedev’s path to the final wasn’t without its hiccups. He dropped his only set of the tournament so far against Kamil Majchrzak in the quarterfinals, but rebounded with authority. "He played great. It was a high-quality match. I would honestly say it was a top 10 match in terms of the shot making," Medvedev reflected. "Happy with myself, there was only one game on my serve where I could have done better in the first set. I managed to stay composed, hit some great shots, win the match, that’s the most important and super happy with myself."
He also credited his preseason work, especially on his volley and serve, for the uptick in his performance. "My game plan doesn’t allow me to go to the net too often, but I feel like whenever I had the opportunity today, I was there, and I don’t think I lost any points; maybe one or two. I had some crazy good volleys, probably a little bit for the highlights, so super happy."
His resurgence was already hinted at late last season when he snapped a 15-month title drought with a win at the Almaty Open. "Honestly, not really because I was just happy that I managed to play better at the end of the season," Medvedev said when asked if that title changed his outlook for 2026. "Physically, I was struggling a bit, but tennis-wise, I was starting to get back into shape. I was making my quarters and semis and beating good opponents. I was not as consistent as I would love to be yet, but again, worked hard during pre-season, happy with the way I played because again, tennis matches you can lose."
Standing in his way is Brandon Nakashima, who has been nothing short of sensational in Brisbane. The American has not dropped a set all week, dispatching Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Quentin Halys, Raphael Colligno, and his compatriot Alexander Kovacevic with poise and power. Nakashima’s serve has been a weapon, and he’ll need every ounce of that firepower against one of the best returners in the game.
Nakashima’s run to the final marks his fourth ATP Tour final and his first since lifting his maiden title in San Diego in 2022. Speaking after his semifinal win over Kovacevic, Nakashima said, "Aleks and I are actually really good friends, we practised a lot the past month, so it’s great to see him playing well at these tournaments. For me, I’m really happy with the level I played today and I’m excited to keep playing here in Brisbane."
The head-to-head favors Medvedev, who holds a 2-0 record over Nakashima. However, Nakashima’s confidence is sky-high, and his aggressive playstyle could pose problems, especially if he targets Medvedev’s occasionally shaky second serve. Still, Medvedev’s elite defense and ability to extend rallies make him a daunting opponent when the pressure mounts.
For Medvedev, a win in Brisbane would mark his 22nd title at a 22nd different event—a quirky but impressive statistic that underscores his versatility and adaptability. For Nakashima, victory would mean breaking a title drought and announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
The match itself has already delivered some tense moments, with point-by-point scoring revealing a fiercely competitive contest. Multiple break points, quick momentum swings, and high-quality shot making have kept fans on the edge of their seats. It’s the kind of final that could go the distance, with both players eager to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Looking ahead, both men have their sights set on the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 19, 2026. Medvedev, a three-time finalist in Melbourne, will be hoping to carry his Brisbane form into the first Grand Slam of the year. He’s not among the main favorites this time around, perhaps easing some of the pressure that comes with high expectations. Nakashima, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on his early-season surge and make a deep run Down Under.
It’s been a long road back to the top for Daniil Medvedev, but his performances in Brisbane suggest he’s not far off his best. As for Brandon Nakashima, his breakthrough week could be the start of something special. With both men bringing their A-game, the Brisbane International final is shaping up to be a classic. As the action unfolds, all eyes will be on center court to see who seizes the moment and sets the tone for 2026.
