Daniil Medvedev, the top seed at the Brisbane International, is harnessing the pressure of competition as he progresses through the tournament. Medvedev showcased his resilience by overcoming Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak with a score of 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2, marking his 52nd career semifinal on hard courts—a feat only surpassed by Novak Djokovic among active players.
In the upcoming semifinal, Medvedev will face Alex Michelsen, who secured his spot by triumphing in an all-American quarterfinal against his compatriot, winning 6-3, 7-6(7) with a notable performance on second serves. Historically, Medvedev has had the upper hand over the 21-year-old Michelsen, winning both of their previous encounters.
Reflecting on his approach to the Australian season, Medvedev emphasized the unique combination of stress and preparation that comes with the start of each year. He cited the importance of applying the skills he has honed during preseason, as he often returns to competitive play after a break. “I usually come out better after the preseason,” he remarked, indicating that this longer preparation period has been particularly beneficial.
Throughout his career, Medvedev has earned 21 singles titles across various cities, but he is still in pursuit of his first title on Australian soil since winning in Sydney in 2018. His training has been shaped by collaborations with experienced coaches, including Rohan Goetzke and former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson, which he believes has enhanced his competitive edge.
Medvedev’s journey in Brisbane could potentially affect the possibility of an all-American final, as he aims to defeat Michelsen. The other semifinal will pit world No. 58 Aleksandar Kovacevic, coached by veteran David Witt, against Brandon Nakashima, who is under the guidance of former Wimbledon champion Rick Leach. This dynamic highlights the increasing influence of seasoned coaching within American tennis, promising an exciting finale to the tournament.