Medvedev Cruises Past Fucsovics in Brisbane Opener
Daniil Medvedev’s straight-sets win signals a confident start to 2026, blending baseline control with renewed focus under new coach Thomas Johansson, as he eyes Frances Tiafoe next.
Daniil Medvedev returned to the Brisbane International presented by ANZ after seven years, claiming a spot in the second round with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Marton Fucsovics on Monday. The top seed at this ATP 250 event broke the Hungarian’s serve in the third game and dictated the match’s tempo, wrapping it in 70 minutes on the Pat Rafter Arena. His heavy topspin from the baseline pinned Fucsovics deep, turning returns into punishing crosscourt exchanges that forced errors on second serves.
As the No. 13 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Medvedev built on his Almaty title from October, which ended a two-year drought, positioning him to chase a 22nd tour-level trophy Down Under. The crowd’s murmurs grew into applause as he held serve comfortably after the early break, his flat returns disrupting any rhythm Fucsovics tried to build. This opener felt like a reset, the Queensland humidity amplifying the snap of his groundstrokes against the slower Plexicushion surface.
“I played great and I am happy with my level,” Medvedev said. “I could have played better on my serve a couple of times but I played great from the baseline. I am happy with my first match of the year.”
Coach partnership ignites preseason fire
Thomas Johansson watched from courtside, his late-2025 alliance with Medvedev already showing dividends in this efficient win. The pair’s preseason emphasized serve variations and topspin depth to counter aggressive returns, evident in how Medvedev neutralized Fucsovics’ flat shots with looped forehands that pushed him back. Their bond extends beyond tactics, rooted in off-court understanding that eased the pressures of a scrutinized season.
“Last year when we started was a test period,” Medvedev said on Johansson. “We had the end of the season to see if it would work out or not. It was working great, not only in terms of results but in terms of relationship, off court and on court. We understand each other and it was a great preseason.”
Medvedev now leads Fucsovics 5-1 in their ATP Head2Head, a edge that underscores his dominance without overshadowing the fresh momentum from this collaboration. Facing Frances Tiafoe next brings a shift—Tiafoe’s quick footwork and net rushes could test those serve tweaks, forcing more one–two patterns to open the court. On Brisbane’s medium pace, endurance in baseline duels might favor the Russian, but the American’s disruption demands vigilant adjustments.
Draw thickens with gritty advances
Defending champion Jiri Lehecka kicked off his title defense by outlasting countryman Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2, saving both break points he faced to advance. His steady serving on these courts sets up a clash with Sebastian Korda, who opened with a 7-6(1), 6-3 dispatch of Shanghai champion Valentin Vacherot, leaning on inside-out forehands in the tight opener. Korda’s two Adelaide finals highlight his comfort on Australian hard courts, adding tactical layers to this quarter.
Alex Michelsen survived a marathon against James Duckworth, 6-7(4), 7-6(2), 6-3, earning a second-round meeting with friend Learner Tien that mixes rivalry with camaraderie. Reilly Opelka, last year’s finalist, powered past Dane Sweeny 6-3, 7-5, his booming serves echoing through the arena as he prepares for Kamil Majchrzak. Quentin Halys rallied from a set down to beat Alexei Popyrin 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, extending the Australian’s losing streak to six since the US Open and injecting wildcard energy into the bracket.
These results paint Brisbane as a proving ground, where recoveries from slumps and strategic holds build toward deeper Australian swing runs. Medvedev’s path navigates big servers and grinders alike, his slice backhand ready for defensive pops against Tiafoe’s bursts. Under the humid sun, this early confidence hints at a 2026 arc bending toward majors, with every rally a step from drought to dominance.
