Daniil Medvedev added another title to his collection on Sunday at the Brisbane International.
In his first tournament of 2026, Medvedev clinched his 22nd ATP crown after overcoming American star Brandon Nakashima in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6.
The Russian endured a largely disappointing 2025 season, but after appointing Thomas Johansson following a first-round exit at the US Open, he saw a return to form.
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Medvedev won his first title in 882 days at the Almaty Open in October, and has now secured his second trophy with Johansson in his corner.
After his triumph in Brisbane, the former world number one was asked if he believes he is back to his best ahead of the Australian Open.
Daniil Medvedev says he will try his best as the season goes on
Medvedev responded: “I want to say I think so, but the next Grand Slam is in what, one week. You never know. You could lose first round or you could win it.
“I will try my best. I for sure have been playing very good end of the season. I think I made six out of last seven tournaments quarters, a lot of them semis, two titles.
“So I’m happy with the way I was playing, and I know that when I’m playing good, there are not that many players that can beat me easily or at all.
“So that’s the most important, so if I manage to play good in Australia, I’m happy with my chances.
“In the end, you never know. Sometimes a player can make a match of the year against you, or you can get Carlos [Alcaraz] or Jannik [Sinner] or Sascha [Zverev] or someone else, and they can beat you.”
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Medvedev continued: “I definitely changed my team, and again, it’s not at all to say that it’s all because of this, but last year was not easy, was a little bit turbulent, and changing the team helped. So I’m happy with it.
“I haven’t played a Grand Slam yet with the new team. Again, as I’m saying, I feel what’s important and what’s important is the way I’m playing.
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“So if I lose first round in Australian Open but playing like here, first of all, I would be surprised. Again, it means the guy played good, but I would go out from the match and say to myself, you know what, it was great and I’ll try better next time.
“For me, that’s the most important right now. I managed to stay in the present moment throughout this tournament, and that’s exactly the same thing I’m going to do in Australia.”
Medvedev is a three-time Australian Open finalist, having reached the championship match in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
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