Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is all set to capture his first crown of the season as he takes on the USA’s Brandon Nakashima in the final of the Brisbane International on Sunday. The matchup comes at a pivotal moment, with both players eager to have a triumphant start to their season and build momentum heading into the Australian Open.
Daniil Medvedev vs. Brandon Nakashima Match Details
Date: Jan. 10, 2026 (in ET)
Tournament: Brisbane International 2026
Round: Final
Venue: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor Hard
Live Telecast: Tennis Channel, TSN, Sky Sports
Medvedev vs Nakashima Head-to-Head
Daniil Medvedev and Brandon Nakashima have faced each other twice so far, with the Russian firmly in control of the rivalry, holding a 2–0 head-to-head lead. Their first meeting came at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open, where Medvedev secured a straight-sets win, 6–4, 6–3.
They crossed paths again at last year’s Madrid Open, and while Nakashima put up greater resistance, Medvedev still prevailed 3–6, 6–1, 6–4.
Medvedev vs Nakashima Prediction
Medvedev arrived as the top seed and largely justified his billing, dropping just one set on his way to the final. The Russian opened his campaign with a commanding 6–2, 6–3 victory over Márton Fucsovics, before dismissing Frances Tiafoe 6–3, 6–2 in the second round.
He was tested in the quarterfinals but recovered from a first-set tiebreak loss to beat Kamil Majchrzak 6–7(7), 6–3, 6–2, then sealed his place in the final with a 6–4, 6–2 win over fellow American Alex Michelsen in the semifinals.
Unseeded Brandon Nakashima has been equally impressive in Brisbane, producing a dominant run to the final. The American opened his campaign with a surprise straight-sets win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, 7–6(4), 6–4, before outfoxing Quentin Halys 6–2, 6–4 in the second round.
He continued his surge by defeating Raphaël Collignon 6–3, 6–3 in the quarterfinals and then edged past compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic 7–6(4), 6–4 in the semifinals to book his place in the final.
MORE: Daniil Medvedev Makes His Position Clear on His Level After Promising Start to 2026 Season at Brisbane
While both players lean heavily on their serves, Medvedev has held a slight edge on the first serve in Brisbane, winning 82% of points compared to Nakashima’s 78%. The American, however, has been more efficient on second serve, claiming 55% of those points to Medvedev’s 43%. Notably, Nakashima has also outgunned the Russian in aces, firing 49 to Medvedev’s 29 over the course of the tournament.
However, in pressure situations, Medvedev has been more reliable. The Russian has converted 52% of his break-point chances, well ahead of Nakashima’s 38%, and has also been more secure on serve, conceding just 10 break points during the tournament compared to the American’s 13.
Nakashima’s run this week should leave him confident heading into the final. However, overcoming Medvedev’s experience remains a tall order. While the American is likely to push him hard, Medvedev’s composure and his unbeaten record against Nakashima could ultimately prove decisive.