Daniil Medvedev won the 22nd title of his career after beating Brandon Nakashima in the Brisbane International final.
The Russian dropped just one set throughout the tournament and overcame Nakashima 6-2, 7-6 to hoist the trophy.
Medvedev has seen a return to form under the wing of his new coach, Thomas Johansson, whom he appointed after last year’s US Open.
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He defeated three Americans at the Brisbane International, having defeated Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen and Nakashima.
Following his triumph, Medvedev had a few words for the 24-year-old US star.
Daniil Medvedev sends message to Brandon Nakashima
In his speech during the award ceremony, the former world number one said: “I would like to congratulate Brandon.
“I started really strong, but then Brandon found his way back and the way you fought in the end, saved the match points and then almost got it to the third set.
“Great start of the year, all the best to you when you play next week in the Australian Open, and congrats to your team as well.
“It’s a great tournament. It’s my second time here. I really enjoy coming here. I made the final [the] first time. I said I will try to win it and come back. I came back eight or seven years later, and I’m happy to hold the trophy.
“And then I want to thank you guys (the crowd). I know in the end, when it was 5-3, 5-4, you wanted the match to continue, so you supported Brandon a little bit, but I felt a lot of support throughout the week.
“You guys are fair play for all the matches. I enjoyed playing here. I’ll probably be back, so thanks a lot.”
Brandon Nakashima congratulates Daniil Medvedev after the final
Nakashima was playing in just the fourth final of his career, and was seeking to clinch his second ATP title.
After losing the match with Medvedev, he said: “First of all, I’d like to say congrats to Daniil. You played incredible all week long. Congrats to your team as well, really well-deserved.
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“I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and for the Australian Open next week.”
The American had not dropped a set en route to the final and knocked out second seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in his opening match.
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