Preview ATP Brisbane International Final: Daniil Medvedev targets 22nd title over tenacious Brandon Nakashima
ATP
The final of the ATP 250 Brisbane International will be contested this Sunday, January 11, featuring Daniil Medvedev against American world No. 33 Brandon Nakashima.
The Russian reached a final for the 10th consecutive season—this time after just his first week back in competition—and will be aiming for his 22nd ATP-level title. He has also gained a good boost of ranking points, slowly bringing him closer to the top 10 (currently positioned at No. 12 in the live rankings).
His opponent will be 24-year-old Brandon Nakashima, who has much less experience in this type of situation but has been producing consistent results over recent seasons and is looking to make a breakthrough. His campaign in Brisbane has already guaranteed him entry into the top 30 for the first time, finishing the tournament at No. 29 in the live rankings, and he could rise to No. 24 if he wins the title.
The showdown will take place in the second match of the Australian night session, following the WTA 500 Brisbane final between Aryna Sabalenka and Marta Kostyuk.
Top seed Medvedev back in form
Medvedev made significant changes to his team at the end of last year after a couple of seasons marked by ranking drops and disappointing results. Since losing the 2023 US Open final to Novak Djokovic, Medvedev endured six consecutive final losses and went 29 months without a title.
Medvedev decided to part ways with his coach Giles Cervara—who is currently working with young star Nishesh Basavareddy—and added Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke to his team in September of last year. A few weeks later, he ended his title drought by winning the Almaty Open.
This week, Medvedev entered Brisbane as the top seed and lived up to expectations. He defeated Marton Fucsovics (6-2, 6-3) and Frances Tiafoe (6-4, 6-2) in straight sets, then dropped a set for the first time in the quarterfinals against Kamil Majchrzak (6-7, 6-3, 6-2). In the semifinals, he dominated the young Alex Michelsen (6-4, 6-2), securing the 41st final of his career, currently holding a 21-19 record in finals.
The Russian is seeking personal revenge in Brisbane, a tournament where he previously reached the final in 2019 but lost to Japan’s Kei Nishikori.
Nakashima undefeated in Brisbane: Can he capture his second career title?
Nakashima reached the fourth final of his career, though it is his first since winning the San Diego Open in 2022. Several seasons of consistent results at Grand Slams and Masters events had passed without deep runs or new finals in smaller tournaments.
The former Next Gen ATP Finals champion saw this as a chance after delivering high-level performance from the very first round, defeating second seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets. The 24-year-old American has not dropped a set on his path, also eliminating Quentin Halys, Raphael Collignon, and Aleksander Kovacevic.
‘Naka’s’ strong campaign guarantees him entry into the top 30 for the first time and gives him the opportunity to go after his second career title. In his previous finals, his losses came precisely against more experienced players (Norrie and Isner in 2021). However, his reality now is that of a consolidated player, with several seasons at the top level, who will not be easily intimidated by a former world No. 1.
Medvedev dominates their head-to-head 2-0, with wins in Indian Wells 2023 (6-4, 6-3) and on the Madrid clay courts in 2025 (3-6, 6-1, 6-4).
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
