<h2>Medvedev Win Brisbane International – Straight Sets Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Brisbane triumph signals Medvedev's return to grand slam contending form.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Russian star climbs back toward the top after tumultuous 2025 season.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Medvedev remains calm on court, ditching the infamous meltdowns that cost him $122,000 in fines last year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Russian Resurrection</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Russian tennis star has made no secret of his ambition to<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/men-s-australian-open-winner-2026-8896398"> finally capture the Australian Open crown</a> after reaching the final three times previously.</p> <p>His dominant performance in Brisbane, where he dropped just one set throughout the tournament, showcased the calculated baseline play and tactical brilliance that once made him world number one.</p> <p>"I want to say I think so, but then you know the next grand slam is in one week, and you never know - you could lose in the first round, you could win it, so I'll try my best," Medvedev said when asked about his Australian Open chances.</p> <p>The 29-year-old's 2025 season was one to forget, tumbling from the top 10 to as low as 18th in the rankings.</p> <p>His infamous on-court outbursts resulted in $122,000 worth of fines for repeatedly smashing his racquet and damaging equipment, while he suffered embarrassing first-round exits at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Finding Form at the Perfect Time</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What's particularly encouraging for Medvedev backers is the composure he displayed in Brisbane.</p> <p>The explosive temper remained in check as he methodically dismantled opponents with his unique combination of defensive prowess and strategic aggression.</p> <p>"I always stay true to myself, meaning when I get angry, I do bad things, and sometimes I have to apologise, but it's the way I am," Medvedev explained.</p> <p>"It's my emotions, but I also know this emotion can be a bit too much, and they can cost me a bit of energy and concentration during the match. I'm happy here I managed to find a flow."</p> <p>His victory over Nakashima highlighted everything that makes Medvedev dangerous - relentless court coverage, pinpoint backhand winners, and tactical net approaches that leave opponents scrambling.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Can He Challenge the Big Two?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have established themselves as the clear favourites for the Australian Open after sharing the past eight grand slam titles, Medvedev's variable playing style might just be the perfect formula to upset the established order.</p> <p>"I for sure have been playing very well at the end of the season, I think I made six of the last seven tournaments' quarters [finals], so I am happy with the way I was playing," Medvedev said. "I know that when I'm playing well, there are not that many players who can beat me easily, or at all."</p> <p>Medvedev credits his new coaching team for his rapid transformation from struggling competitor to title contender.</p> <p>After ending an 882-day title drought at October's Almaty Open, he's now claimed another trophy less than three months later.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Man on a Melbourne Mission</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A breakthrough in Melbourne would continue an intriguing Medvedev statistic - each of his 22 titles has come in different cities and competitions.</p> <p>"It's a fun story - 22 titles in 22 different cities - and if it continues great, I've never won in Melbourne," he noted.</p> <p>With his combination of methodical baseline play, improved mental fortitude, and the ability to mix attacking tennis with defensive brilliance, Medvedev presents a compelling case as a genuine contender for the Australian Open title.</p> <p>Whether he can finally overcome his Melbourne hoodoo and capture that elusive first Australian Open title remains to be seen, but the signs from Brisbane suggest the Russian is ready to make a serious challenge.</p>