Brisbane International 2026: Semifinals Preview
The 2026 Brisbane International has reached its business end, with a blockbuster lineup of semifinals set to light up the Pat Rafter Arena this Saturday. The schedule features a compelling mix of established Grand Slam champions and rising stars looking to make their mark early in the season. From an all-American ATP showdown to a clash of styles in the WTA draw, tennis fans are in for a treat as the tournament determines its finalists.
[1] Aryna Sabalenka vs. [11] Karolina Muchova (CZE)
Start Time: 11:00 AM
The action kicks off with a high-stakes encounter between defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and the crafty Czech, Karolina Muchova. Sabalenka, the top seed and World No. 1, has been in imperious form on Australian soil. She is chasing her third Brisbane title, having lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2025. Her path to the semis included a commanding straight-sets victory over Madison Keys, extending her winning streak in Brisbane and reaffirming her dominance on hard courts.
However, Sabalenka faces a significant hurdle in Muchova. The Czech star holds a surprising 3-1 head-to-head advantage over the Belarusian, having won their last three meetings. Muchova enters the match fresh off a gritty three-set upset of No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina, a victory that showcased her resilience and tactical variety. This matchup presents a classic contrast of styles: Sabalenka’s raw power and aggression against Muchova’s slice, net play, and court craft. While Sabalenka is the favorite on paper, Muchova’s history in this rivalry suggests an upset is well within reach.
Aleksandar Kovacevic (USA) vs. Brandon Nakashima (USA)
Not Before 1:00 PM
Following the women’s opener, the Pat Rafter Arena will host an all-American battle between Aleksandar Kovacevic and Brandon Nakashima. This ATP 250 semifinal represents a massive opportunity for both men to reach a tour-level final early in 2026. Kovacevic has been the tournament’s dark horse, turning heads with a sensational run that included a victory over Nick Kyrgios earlier in the week. His one-handed backhand and aggressive shot-making will be tested against Nakashima’s rock-solid baseline game. Nakashima, known for his consistency and calm demeanor, has steadily climbed the rankings and will look to use his efficient serve and groundstrokes to neutralize Kovacevic’s flair. With both players hunting for ranking points and glory, expect a tight, nervy contest.
[4] Jessica Pegula (USA) vs. [16] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)
Not Before 3:00 PM
The day session concludes with another intriguing WTA semifinal featuring fourth seed Jessica Pegula and the explosive Ukrainian, Marta Kostyuk. Pegula, one of the most consistent players on tour, reached the last four after a hard-fought win over Liudmila Samsonova. The American is looking to go one step further in Brisbane, relying on her flat, penetrating groundstrokes and tactical intelligence.
She faces the fiery Marta Kostyuk, who defeated teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva to book her spot in the semis. Kostyuk is known for her athleticism and emotional intensity on the court. The two have developed a competitive rivalry, with their matches often featuring long rallies and momentum shifts. In their last significant meeting in Beijing 2025, the match was a closely contested affair. Pegula will need to serve well to keep Kostyuk on the defensive, while the Ukrainian will aim to disrupt Pegula’s rhythm with variety and aggression.
D. Medvedev vs. Alex Michelsen (USA)
Not Before 6:30 PM
The night session promises fireworks as former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev takes on the young American prospect, Alex Michelsen. Medvedev, the “Octopus,” secured his place in the semifinals after navigating past the challenge of Kamil Majchrzak (or his quarterfinal opponent). The Russian’s deep court positioning and relentless consistency make him a nightmare matchup for younger players still developing their point construction.
Michelsen, just 21 years old, faces a steep challenge. He trails Medvedev 0-2 in their head-to-head record, with losses on both grass (Halle) and hard courts (Indian Wells) in 2025. To have a chance, the young American will need to serve exceptionally well and find ways to finish points at the net, avoiding the long, grueling baseline exchanges that Medvedev thrives on. For Medvedev, a win here would set the tone for another deep run at the Australian Open, while a victory for Michelsen would be the biggest of his burgeoning career.
With four high-quality matches scheduled, Saturday at the Brisbane International is set to deliver drama, emotion, and world-class tennis as the finalists for 2026 are decided.
