Daniil Medvedev and Brandon Nakashima will be facing each other for the third time in their careers when they fight for the Brisbane International title on Sunday.
Both of their previous meetings went Medvedev’s way. The Russians won 6-4, 6-3 at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters and 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at the 2025 Madrid Masters. No place really likes Medvedev, or, as Madrid is in the clay and Indian Wells – as Medvedev has announced badly – is not a definite. the truth hard court.
In Brisbane, however, the 29-year-old could be right at home. Conditions favor his game and he always plays well Down Under (he is a three-time Australian Open runner-up). Medvedev finds himself in the final of this ATP 250 tournament following victories over Marton Fucsovics, Frances Tiafoe, Kamil Majchrzak, and Alex Michelsen while losing one set to Majchrzak.
Nakashima is also in excellent condition. The 33rd-ranked American did not drop a single set on his way to the championship match as he took out Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Quentin Halys, Raphael Collignon, and Aleksandar Kovacevic.
Unfortunately for Nakashima, he won only one ATP title in his career (San Diego in 2022). The 24-year-old has not played in the finals since, as his two runner-up appearances came in 2021 (Atlanta, Los Cabos). Medvedev’s experience and overall form from last fall should give him the edge, but it won’t be easy if Nakashima continues to play the way he has all week.
Pick: Medvedev at 3
