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He has become infamous on the court for his outbursts, ferocity and often antagonistic nature, and now Daniil Medvedev is bracing to rile up Brisbane tennis fans.
The Russian former world No.1 has been revealed as the latest addition to the 2026 Brisbane International card, in what should test his grand slam credentials following a frustrating year.
Medvedev has endured a harrowing 2025 season in tennis’s biggest tournaments, suffering three first-round exits, with his best showing a second-round defeat in Melbourne this January.
Daniil Medvedev cuts a dejected figure after his US Open defeat.Credit: Getty Images
Such performances culminated in a $A65,000 fine at the US Open for unsportsmanlike conduct and racquet abuse, during his defeat to Benjamin Bonzi.
Those results forced him out of the world top 10 for the first time in more than six years, Medvedev now ranked 13 after his quarter-final loss to Alexander Zverev at the Paris Masters.
But now, he hopes Pat Rafter Arena will prove the scene of his comeback.
Daniil Medvedev blows kisses as the crowd gets loud in his US Open match.
“Playing Brisbane is a great way to start the year. Preparing for the Australian Open is important and having a tournament where I can prepare in the right way is important,” Medvedev said.
He last featured in the tournament in 2019 – finishing as the runner-up to Kei Nishikori.
“I always love coming to Australia and really look forward to seeing everyone out in Brisbane.”
Medvedev is the first player announced on the men’s side of the draw for the tournament beginning on January 4, and will be joined in Brisbane by leading women’s stars Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Madison Keys.
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The one-time grand slam champion and three-time Australian Open finalist will hope to emulate the feats of Sabalenka, who backed up her Brisbane International title this year with a third-straight appearance in the Open final.
Sabalenka has a recent history of success in Brisbane, having lost the 2024 final to Rybakina before claiming the grand slam that year. The world No.1 then triumphed this year and went on to reach the Australian Open final again, before losing to Keys in an enthralling three-set decider.
Keys’ unveiling for the tournament locks in three of the world’s top 10 women’s players for the competition.
“I love starting my year in Brisbane. It has such an easy, welcoming vibe. The fans really get behind the players, and it makes every match feel special,” Keys said.
“The venue, the crowds and the atmosphere … it all comes together and reminds me why playing in Australia is so much fun.”
Brisbane International tournament director Cameron Pearson said: “To secure three of the world’s top 10 women this early speaks to why the players love coming to Queensland.”
More players will be announced in the coming weeks, with tickets now on sale.
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