Brisbane International 2026: Medvedev Headlines Final Four as Americans Dominate Semifinals

Brisbane, Australia – The semifinals are set at the 2026 Brisbane International, with top seed Daniil Medvedev continuing his title charge against a surging American contingent. After a dramatic day of quarterfinals action on Friday, three players from the United States have advanced to the final four, guaranteeing at least one American finalist at the Pat Rafter Arena on Sunday.

Saturday’s semifinal lineup features world No. 13 Daniil Medvedev taking on 21-year-old rising star Alex Michelsen, while an all-American clash between Aleksandar Kovacevic and Brandon Nakashima will determine the finalist from the bottom half of the draw.

Semifinal 1: [1] Daniil Medvedev vs. Alex Michelsen

Head-to-Head: Medvedev leads 2-0

Top seed Daniil Medvedev survived a significant scare in his quarterfinal match on Friday night, battling back from a set down to defeat lucky loser Kamil Majchrzak 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2. The 29-year-old Russian, who is looking to start his 2026 season with a title, had to dig deep against the Polish challenger but found his rhythm in the decider to book his spot in the semis.

He now faces Alex Michelsen, who produced an impressive upset over compatriot Sebastian Korda earlier on Friday. Michelsen, currently ranked No. 37, held his nerve in a tight second-set tiebreak to win 6-3, 7-6(7). The young American has been in fine form but faces a steep challenge against Medvedev, having lost both of their previous encounters—most recently on grass in Halle last year.

• Key Stat: Medvedev has won 100% of his matches against Michelsen, but the American’s recent hard-court form suggests he may be ready to challenge the status quo.

Semifinal 2: Aleksandar Kovacevic vs. Brandon Nakashima

Head-to-Head: First Tour-Level Meeting

The second semifinal guarantees an American finalist as Aleksandar Kovacevic takes on Brandon Nakashima. Kovacevic, who has been the tournament’s surprise package, fought past Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a three-set thriller, winning 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3. His path to the semis has been battle-hardened, having already taken out notable names earlier in the week.

On the other side of the net is Brandon Nakashima, who looked clinical in his 6-3, 6-3 victory over qualifier Raphael Collignon. Nakashima has spent significantly less time on court than Kovacevic this week, which could prove decisive in the Queensland heat. With no prior tour-level meetings between the two, this matchup offers a fresh rivalry with high stakes.

Schedule for Saturday, January 10, 2026

• Day Session: Women’s Semifinals & Men’s Semifinal (Order of Play TBA)
• Night Session: Men’s Semifinal & Women’s Doubles Final

Fans can expect a high-energy Saturday at the Queensland Tennis Centre as the 2026 season opener reaches its climax. With Medvedev aiming to spoil the American party and three U.S. players vying for the trophy, the stage is set for a blockbuster finish in Brisbane.