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Daniil Medvedev secured the 22nd title of his career with a win over Brandon Nakashima in the Brisbane International final.
The Russian lost only one set all week, finishing with a 6-2, 7-6 victory over Nakashima to claim the trophy.
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Medvedev appears to be regaining his best form under new coach Thomas Johansson, who he brought on board following last year’s US Open.
Throughout the tournament, he got past three Americans – Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen and Nakashima.
After the match, Medvedev took a moment to speak about Nakashima’s performance throughout the week.
Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev shares words of encouragement for Brandon Nakashima
Medvedev addressed the 24-year-old after the final, praising his effort to turn the match around.
He said: “I started really strong, but then Brandon found his way back and the way you fought in the end, saved the match points and then almost got it to the third set.
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“Great start of the year, all the best to you when you play next week in Australian Open, and congrats to your team as well.”
“And then I want to thank you guys (the crowd). I know in the end, when it was 5-3, 5-4, you wanted the match to continue, so you supported Brandon a little bit, but I felt a lot of support throughout the week.
“You guys are fair play for all the matches. I enjoyed playing here. I’ll probably be back, so thanks a lot.”
Brandon Nakashima reacts to defeat in Brisbane final
Nakashima, appearing in just the fourth final of his career, was aiming to secure his second ATP title.
Following the match, he told Medvedev: “First of all, I’d like to say congrats to Daniil. You played incredible all week long. Congrats to your team as well, really well-deserved.
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“I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and for the Australian Open next week.”
En route to the final, the American had not dropped a set, having already eliminated the second seed, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, in his very first match.
English (US) ·