Daniil Medvedev has made an impressive start to the 2026 season after reaching the Brisbane International quarterfinals.
Medvedev had a relatively disappointing 2025 season, which saw him win only one Grand Slam match in the entire year.
After losing in the first round of the US Open, Medvedev split from his long-term coach of eight years.
Since then, Medvedev has been working with Thomas Johansson, the 2002 Australian Open champion, and has started to see some improvements in his results.
Daniil Medvedev reveals what he has been working on with his new coaches
As well as working with Johansson, Medvedev also has Rohan Goetzke as part of his coaching team.
After Medvedev emphatically beat Frances Tiafoe in under an hour, he was asked about his relationship with his new coaching team and what they have been able to improve within his game.
In his response, Medvedev revealed that he had put more attention on both his serve and volleying during the off-season, which he believes has already been proven effective.
“Yeah, actually we talk a lot about Thomas, but I do work with Thomas and Rohan, as well, Rohan Goetzke, who is actually Australian. So he will be in Melbourne,” Medvedev said in his post-match press conference. “And even if Rohan spends much less time with me, kind of puts the same input as Thomas, because they do work together almost on a daily basis even if Rohan is many times far away.
“And, for example, during the pre-season, we spent two weeks together, two great weeks. Of course, as I said, we work on everything, forehand, backhand, but we try to maybe put a bit more attention to the serve and the volley. Has been working well these first two matches.
“Of course I’m never going to be someone who goes to the net 30 times per match, but if I can make it 8 where before was 6 and these 2 would be important a little bit like today, it’s great.
“It’s been working great. I’m happy with how they see my game and what they ask me to do on the court. They’re, I think, happy with what they see on the court, and that’s the best we can do.”
Who is your favorite ATP player right now?
Daniil Medvedev says if he is thinking about the Australian Open
As the first Grand Slam tournament of the year draws ever closer, it would be understandable if Medvedev was now thinking about the Australian Open.
However, Medvedev, who has dismissed claims of him being an Australian Open favorite, has his sights fully focused on the Brisbane International.
“No, no, 100% here,” said Medvedev. “I would kind of say that maybe if it’s next week in Adelaide, I’m not playing, but if I would play, maybe you tend to think a little bit, like you’re in the third set and you start cramping, you’re like, oh, I don’t want to pull a muscle before Australian Open.
“Here, Australian Open is in one week and a half, so for sure, the better I do here, the more confidence I have for Australian Open, but to do good here, you have to not think about Australian Open, so it’s a little bit both ways around.
“So I’m thinking only about here. Really happy with the two matches. Looking forward to try to do more, and then get ready for Australian Open.”
Who is your dark horse for the 2026 Australian Open?
Medvedev has been predicted to return to the top 10 this year, and he can make big strides in this goal at the Brisbane International.
As he looks to win his 22nd career title, Medvedev will play lucky loser Kamil Majchrzak for a place in the Brisbane International semifinals.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
