Medvedev: "I'm fighting for every point... for now, it works"

Fernando Murciego | 10 Jan 2026 | 16.38

Daniil Medvedev regains his best attitude in 2026. Source: Getty

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No matter what happens tomorrow, we can say that the first week of Daniil Medvedev in 2026 is going to leave us with a good taste in our mouths. After reaching the final at the ATP 250 in Brisbane, many are looking forward to seeing the best version of the Russian player once again.

A version that we hardly saw in 2024 and 2025. There were some moments of inspiration, but currently having him outside the top 10 is the clearest indication of the step back he has taken in the circuit in these last two seasons. Now, with a new team and nearing his thirties, who knows if Daniil Medvedev is ready to give his 100% again and reclaim his place in the locker room. For now, his victory this afternoon against Alex Michelsen will make him fight for the title tomorrow at the ATP 250 in Brisbane.

“It was not an easy match, far from it,” explained the Moscow native after a hard-fought 6-4, 6-2 win. “The clock shows it lasted 1 hour and 42 minutes, but this data doesn't truly reflect the toughness of the match. I am happy for responding the way I wanted in the crucial moments; today I managed to be a bit better than my opponent, which helped me end up winning the match. I can only be content with the final result,” stated the current World No. 13.

His victories this week over Marton Fucsovics, Frances Tiafoe, Kamil Majchrzak, and Michelsen might not impress the general audience, but it is precisely this test that he failed so many times months ago. A player who always reached the late stages of tournaments but suddenly started losing against much lower-ranked opponents. And of course, this plunged him into frustration, causing severe outbursts on the court where he couldn't even control himself.

“Last year I couldn't handle these situations well; I felt that I was easily triggered, quickly frustrated, that's why you saw me so many times angry on the court,” admitted Daniil in the court-side interview. “Let's say I had a short fuse, but things started to change in the last tournaments of the year. Now it's much simpler because it's the beginning of the season; it wouldn't make sense to explode in the first tournament I play, I don't explode anymore at the beginning. I like to see how I am conducting myself on the court, fighting for every point, which is currently working. Now, the final step remains to be taken,” evaluated the former world number one.

Daniil Medvedev competing in Brisbane 2026. Source: Getty

Medvedev vs Nakashima, final set in Brisbane

His final opponent this week will be the American Brandon Nakashima, a rather quiet profile on the circuit but with the potential to stay in the top 50 for as long as he desires. This Sunday, the challenge will be equally broad for both, although each will have their own defined objectives. They have faced each other twice in the past, once on hardcourt (Indian Wells 2023) and once on clay (Madrid 2025), with Medvedev winning on both occasions. Will this be enough experience to confidently step onto the court tomorrow?

“I have watched some of his matches in this tournament; it is clear that he is playing at a very high level. I think we have played a couple of times in the past, but not enough to have a clear picture in my head of what each one's strategy will be. It will be an interesting match; he is in great form, so we will see what happens in the final tomorrow,” concluded the Russian player before going for the 22nd title of his career.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Medvedev: “Estoy luchando por cada punto… de momento, funciona”