Medvedev Wins Brisbane Title Days Before Australian Open

After finishing as runner-up at the Australian Open three times, Daniil Medvedev is heading into this year's tournament with fresh momentum and renewed confidence.

The Russian tennis star captured the Brisbane International title on Sunday, dominating American Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 7-6 in just 96 minutes. It marks his 22nd ATP Tour victory and delivers the perfect warm-up just days before the Australian Open begins on January 18.

Medvedev's path to victory showcased both power and resilience. He broke Nakashima's serve twice in the opening set, racing to an early lead that had fans expecting a quick finish.

But Nakashima rallied hard in the second set, forcing a tiebreak that briefly threatened to extend the match. Medvedev responded by surging to a 5-0 lead in the breaker, effectively sealing the championship.

The win carries special meaning for the 13th-ranked player. He reached the Brisbane final back in 2019 but fell short of the trophy.

"I said then that I would try and come back and win it," Medvedev shared after the match. "I came back seven or eight years later, and I'm happy to hold the trophy."

Why This Inspires

Medvedev's story reminds us that persistence pays off, even when success takes longer than expected. After finishing as Australian Open runner-up in 2021, 2022, and 2024, many athletes might feel discouraged or defeated.

Instead, Medvedev kept showing up, kept improving, and kept believing his moment would come. His return to Brisbane seven years later to claim the title he once missed shows the power of patience combined with determination.

Now heading into Melbourne with confidence and competition-sharp skills, he's proving that past disappointments can fuel future victories.

With this championship under his belt and momentum building at exactly the right moment, Medvedev has given himself the best possible foundation for another Grand Slam run.