Daniil Medvedev weathers tiebreak tension to secure Brisbane International title
Updated . First published at
Daniil Medvedev has launched his 2026 campaign in clinical fashion, winning the men's singles final at the Brisbane International on Sunday night.
Wrapping up the victory in an hour and 34 minutes, Medvedev downed American Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 7-6(1), reasserting his dominance in a one-sided second-set tiebreak.
Matching Aryna Sabalenka's earlier feat in the women's singles final, Medvedev achieved his 22nd career title.
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Daniil Medvedev of Russia poses with the trophy following his victory over American Brandon Nakashima in the men's singles final at the 2026 Brisbane International. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
Medvedev struck the ball beautifully, finding a devastating rhythm particularly off the backhand side.
However, it was not all smooth sailing for the top seed, with Nakashima forcing a tense second-set tiebreak to keep Medvedev on his toes.
During his trophy presentation, Medvedev shared a heartfelt dedication to his youngest daughter, who recently turned one, noting that she remains at home while he competes Down Under.
The Aussie tennis summer kicks off with the 2026 United Cup from Friday, January 2. Watch it live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Wasting no time, Medvedev broke Nakashima in the opening service game to race to a commanding 2-0 lead.
Piling on the pressure, the former world No.1 then secured a double break to extend his early advantage.
While it took four set points to clinch it, Medvedev served out the opening set 6-2 in 34 minutes.
In the second set, Medvedev broke the deadlock again in the fifth game, seizing the initiative as he looked to close out the match.
Recovering from 0-30 holes in consecutive service games to lead 5-3, Medvedev zoned in on the title.
A double fault on championship point triggered a tense standoff involving three deuces as Medvedev struggled to close.
Producing his best tennis with his back against the wall, Nakashima broke in the 10th game and held to keep his title hopes alive.
Daniil Medvedev celebrates after defeating Brandon Nakashima in the men's singles final at the 2026 Brisbane International. Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images
Under threat for the first time, Medvedev held serve to stay alive in the set and force a seven-point tiebreak.
But Medvedev soon put his foot down, snatching an early mini-break to bolt to a lead 5-0 in the tiebreak.
With five championship points in hand, an unforced error from Nakashima handed Medvedev the second set and the Brisbane crown.
