Daniil Medvedev Cruises Past Alex Michelsen, Sets Up Brisbane Final vs. Brandon Nakashima for 41st Career Final

Medvedev Dominates in Brisbane Semifinal, Eyes 22nd ATP Title Against Nakashima in Season-Opening Final

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 10/01/2026 à 12h00

2 min to read

Brisbane Kovacevic Aleksandar Medvedev Daniil Michelsen Alex Nakashima Brandon

First tournament of the season, and already a first final for Daniil Medvedev. The Russian, the top seed, faced Alex Michelsen in the semifinals of the Brisbane tournament.

Ranked 13th in the ATP rankings this week, the 2021 US Open champion wanted to confirm his rising form, having beaten Marton Fucsovics, Frances Tiafoe, and Kamil Majchrzak since the start of the week.

Despite a poor start that saw Michelsen break serve in his first return game, Medvedev did not doubt himself. The 29-year-old player quickly recovered before taking the lead. An advantage he maintained until the end of the set.

Ultimately, he won in two sets (6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour and 42 minutes) and defeated the American for the third time in as many meetings. Medvedev will play his 41st final on the main tour.

Nakashima Advances Quietly in Brisbane and Will Contest the Final

In the final, Medvedev will face another representative from the United States. Indeed, Brandon Nakashima, ranked 33rd in the world, got the better of his compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic (7-6, 6-4 in 1 hour and 44 minutes).

Nakashima saved the two break points he conceded and settled for one break in the second set to secure his victory. He will play for a second career title after the one won in San Diego in 2022.

Medvedev leads two wins to zero in their head-to-head meetings. The latter hopes to win a 22nd title on the ATP Tour, having ended his long trophy drought in Almaty at the end of last season.