Brisbane International 2026: Men's singles draw analysis and prediction ft. potential Tommy Paul-Grigor Dimitrov SF, Daniil Medvedev-Joao Fonseca QF

The Brisbane International is back with another exciting edition on tour. The tournament is part of the ATP 250 series this year.

Daniil Medvedev and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina are the top two seeds in Brisbane. They will make their first appearance after the 2025 Paris Masters in October.

Meanwhile, Jiri Lehecka and Tommy Paul are also among the top-five seeds in Brisbane. Lehecka is the defending champion at the event and will be eager to make his mark again this year.

Without further ado, let's analyze the main draw and who has the best chance to make a deep run this year.

First Quarter: Frances Tiaoe and Joao Fonseca stand in Daniil Medvedev's way to the semifinal

Medvedev is the top seed in the Brisbane International 2026 - Source: Getty

Daniil Medvedev has been handed a tough draw at the Brisbane International this year. He will begin his campaign against Marton Fucsovics in the first round and then face Frances Tiafoe in the second.

If the Russian manages to win both matches, a tricky contest with Joao Fonseca could be on the cards in the quarterfinals. Things only get tougher from here, as Learner Tien or Jiri Lehecka could then be his potential opponents in the last four.

Considering his record on hard courts and a strong end to the season last year, Medvedev is the favorite to win this quarter. His most likely opponent in the final could be Tommy Paul.

Expected Quarterfinal: Daniil Medvedev vs Joao Fonseca

Dark Horse: Frances Tiafoe

Second Quarter: Americans Learner Tien, Alex Michelsen, and Sebastian Korda stake their claim for the title

Korda is unseeded at the Brisbane International 2026 - Source: Getty

The second quarterfinal features three talented Americans, Sebastian Korda, Alex Michelsen, and Learner Tien, alongside the defending champion, Jiri Lehecka.

Korda has a good record at the start of a new calendar year. However, the American has lacked the killer instinct in his game over the past year.

Defending champion Jiri Lehecka faces a tough test against Tomas Machac in the opening round. He will be expected to begin with a win and eventually meet Learner Tien in the quarterfinals.

The winner from this quarter is most likely to face Daniil Medvedev or Joao Fonseca in the last four. Tien might face stiff competition from Alex Michelsen, but his recent win in the ATP Next Gen finals should boost his chances of entering the last four.

Expected Quarterfinal: Jiri Lehecka vs Learner Tien

Dark Horse: Alex Michelsen

Third Quarter: Tommy Paul leads the line amid Nick Kyrgios' return to the Brisbane International

Paul is the fourth seed in the Brisbane International 2025 - Source: Getty

Next up, Tommy Paul leads the line in the third quarter of the Brisbane International.

Paul had a quiet season last year and will be desperate to begin on a strong note. He is most likely to win against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Adam Walton en route to the quarterfinals.

The American may then face Cameron Norrie or Ugo Humbert in the last eight. Humber reached the finals of the Stockholm Open in October and will be eager to follow up with a positive result in 2026.

A surprise entrant in the main draw this year is fan-favorite Nick Kyrgios. The Australian has received a wildcard at the event and will begin his campaign against Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round.

Expected Quarterfinal: Tommy Paul vs Ugo Humbert

Dark Horse: Nick Kyrgios

Fourth Quarter: Grigor Dimitrov and Denis Shapovalov among favorites to enter the semifinal

Dimirtov is unseeded at the Brisbane International 2026 - Source: Getty

Lastly, Grigor Dimitrov and Alejandro Davidovic Fokina are among the top guns in the fourth quarter of the Brisbane International. Dimitrov is a two-time champion at the event (2017, 2024) and also reached the semifinals last year.

The Bulgarian will begin his campaign against a qualifier and then face Canadian star Denis Shapovalov. If he manages to win these rounds, Alejandro Davidovic Fokina could be waiting in the quarterfinals.

Three qualifiers will enter the fourth quarter, making it slightly easier for the top guns to find their rhythm this week. Alexei Popyrin could be the surprise package from this quarter and will provide competition alongside Brandon Nakashima this year.

Expected Quarterfinal: Grigor Dimitrov vs Alejandro Davidovic Fokina

Dark Horse: Brandon Nakashima

Brisbane International 2026 predictions

2026 Brisbane International: Previews - Source: Getty

Potential Semifinal One: Daniil Medvedev vs Jiri Lehecka

Potential Semifinal Two: Tommy Paul vs Grigor Dimitrov

Potential Final: Daniil Medvedev vs Tommy Paul

Potential Winner: Daniil Medvedev

Edited by Aman Mohamed