ATP Brisbane International 2026 prize money explained: How much can Kyrgios, Medvedev and Fonseca earn

The Brisbane International will be held from January 5 to January 11 as an ATP 250 event, staged alongside a WTA 500 tournament. The event will feature several high-profile names from the tour, offering players their first real test of the 2026 season as they look to build confidence ahead of the Australian Open.

The tournament has been held since 2009 — with an interruption between 2020 and 2023 — and has crowned a number of high-profile champions, including former world No. 1 players Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer.

A competitive draw is expected, with a total of nine top-30 players entered. The field is led by former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev (No. 13), who was a finalist in Brisbane in 2019, losing on that occasion to Kei Nishikori. Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (No. 14) will also be among the leading title contenders as the second seed, as he continues his search for a first professional trophy after falling short in four finals during the 2025 season.

Defending champion Jiri Lehecka will also be in the draw, facing an important points defence after lifting the trophy a year ago. The Czech claimed the second title of his career by benefiting from a Reilly Opelka injury in the final, which ended 4–2, ret. Injured American Tommy Paul is another notable name looking to regain momentum after seeing his 2025 season end early due to physical setbacks.

Among the most intriguing storylines in the draw are rising talents Learner Tien (No. 26) and Joao Fonseca (No. 29), both of whom are seeded for the tournament. The two young stars enjoyed breakthrough 2025 seasons, taking their first steps on tour and capturing titles that helped propel them into the top 30.

Both will be looking to take another step forward as they aim to consolidate their positions on the tour, with the first tournament of the year offering an ideal opportunity to show their level heading into the season’s first Grand Slam. The Australian Open holds positive memories for both players, having recorded their first major main-draw wins there.

The field also includes experienced names such as former top-10 players Denis Shapovalov (No. 23), Cameron Norrie (No. 28) and Frances Tiafoe (No. 30). Adding further intrigue is the return of Nick Kyrgios, who will begin his season in Brisbane for a second consecutive year. The Australian will make his comeback to competition via a wildcard, despite currently being ranked world No. 671 in the ATP rankings.