Brandon Nakashima Explained

Brandon Nakashima
Residence:San Diego, California, United States
Birth Date:2001 8, df=no
Birth Place:San Diego, California, United States
Height:6 ft 2 in
College:University of Virginia
Turnedpro:2019
Plays:Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Careerprizemoney:US $3,865,850
Coach:Davide Sanguinetti
Singlestitles:1
Highestsinglesranking:No. 43 (October 17, 2022)
Currentsinglesranking:No. 52 (August 5, 2024)
Australianopenresult:1R (2022, 2023)
Frenchopenresult:3R (2022)
Wimbledonresult:4R (2022)
Usopenresult:3R (2022)
Doublestitles:0
Highestdoublesranking:No. 240 (June 10, 2024)
Currentdoublesranking:No. 289 (August 5, 2024)
Wimbledondoublesresult:1R (2023)
Usopendoublesresult:1R (2021)
Frenchopendoublesjuniorresult:1R (2018)
Wimbledondoublesjuniorresult:QF (2018)
Updated:5 August 2024

Brandon Nakashima (born August 3, 2001) is an American professional tennis player. He has been ranked as high as world No. 43 in singles by the ATP, which he achieved on October 17, 2022. On June 10, 2024, he reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 240.

After graduating from High Bluff Academy in Rancho Santa Fe, he enrolled at the University of Virginia to play collegiate tennis, but chose to forgo his remaining years of eligibility after his first year. He has won one ATP singles title, as well as the 2022 Next Generation ATP Finals.

Junior career

As a junior, Nakashima was ranked as high as No. 3 in the world. In 2018, he won two titles on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior circuit and went on to win that year's ITF Junior Masters, the year-end tournament for the top-ranked junior singles players.

Collegiate career

Nakashima graduated from high school, High Bluff Academy in San Diego, a semester early, before enrolling at the University of Virginia in January 2019 at the age of 17. During his time at UVA, he finished the season with a 17–5 record in singles and 20–3 record in doubles. At the end of the season he received the ACC-Freshman of the Year and All-ACC First Team awards and was also a part of the All-ACC Academic Team.[1] After one semester he decided to forgo his remaining years of eligibility and turn professional.

Professional career

2020: First ATP main draw, Grand Slam debut

In February 2020, Nakashima received a wildcard into the Delray Beach Open (his first ATP main draw event), where he reached the quarterfinals,[2] defeating Jiří Veselý and Cameron Norrie before falling to Yoshihito Nishioka.[3]

Later in the year at the US Open (his Grand Slam main draw debut as a wildcard), Nakashima defeated Paolo Lorenzi[4] before being beaten by 5th seed and eventual runner-up, Alexander Zverev.[5]

2021: First two tour finals, Next Gen ATP Finals, top 70 debut

Nakashima qualified into a Grand Slam main draw for the first time at Wimbledon.[6] [7] [8] He lost in the first round to compatriot and 31st seed, Taylor Fritz.[9]

Nakashima reached his first final in Los Cabos, where after beating J. J. Wolf, 4th seed Sam Querrey, 5th seed Jordan Thompson (after saving 3 match points),[10] and 2nd seed John Isner,[11] he lost to 1st seed Cameron Norrie in the final.[12] From this run, the 19-year-old Nakashima became the youngest American to reach an ATP final since a then 18-year-old Taylor Fritz got to the final of the Memphis Open in 2016.

A week later in Atlanta, Nakashima reached his second final in as many weeks but lost to 6th seed John Isner in the championship match.[13] As a result of this good run, Nakashima cracked the top 100 for the first time, coming in at world No. 89 on August 2, 2021, a day before his 20th birthday.[14]

As a qualifier at the 2021 European Open, he reached the quarterfinals where he lost to Diego Schwartzman.[15] As a result, he reached a new career-high ranking of No. 70 on October 25, 2021.

Nakashima qualified for the 2021 Next Generation ATP Finals as the fourth seed in recognition of his breakout success in the year among players aged 21 and under.[16] In his group, he notched wins against Juan Manuel Cerúndolo[17] and Holger Rune,[18] taking him to the semifinals, before he lost to eventual finalist Sebastian Korda in five sets.[19] He ended the year at a career-high of No. 62 and was nominated ATP Newcomer of the Year.[20]

2022: Major fourth round, top 50, maiden title, Next Gen champion

At the 2022 French Open, Nakashima reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, where he lost to 3rd seed Alexander Zverev.[21]

At the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, he reached the fourth round of a Major for the first time in his career defeating Daniel Elahi Galán.[22] He lost a tight five-set contest to eventual runner-up Nick Kyrgios.[23] He reached the top 50 on July 11, 2022 at world No. 49.

Seeded fifth at his home tournament, the 2022 San Diego Open, he reached his third ATP final after defeating Christopher O'Connell.[24] In the final, he defeated Marcos Giron to win his first career title.[25] [26] He qualified for the 2022 Next Generation ATP Finals and won the title undefeated after beating Jack Draper in the semifinal[27] and Jiří Lehečka in the final.[28]

2023: Loss of form, Masters third round, Maiden top-5 win, out of top 150

He exited the top 100 on 25 September 2023 despite a second round showing at the 2023 Citi Open[29] and a third round at the 2023 Winston-Salem Open.

He received a wildcard for the Cincinnati Open.At the next Masters in Shanghai on his debut, he reached the third round for the first time in his career at this ATP level, defeating world No. 4 and third seed Holger Rune for his maiden top-10 and top-5 win.[30] Despite this result he fell out of the top 150 on 30 October 2023.

2024: Second top 10 win, two Masters third rounds, top 50 return

He returned to the top 100 at No. 96 on 29 January 2024 following a title at the 2024 Tenerife Challenger, in Spain.

He received a wildcard for the 2024 BNP Paribas Open where he defeated Christopher Eubanks.[31] At the next Masters, the 2024 Miami Open, he reached the main draw after qualifying.

At the ATP 500 2024 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell he defeated second seed Andrey Rublev, for his second top 10 win in his career. [32] [33] [34] He qualified for the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open and for the Italian Open. He reached the second round at the 2024 French Open with a win over wildcard Nicolas Moreno de Alboran.

At the 2024 BOSS Open in Stuttgart, he reached the semifinals defeating seventh seed Jan-Lennard Struff by walkover and returned to the top 65 in the rankings on 17 June 2024. He lost to eventual champion Jack Draper.[35] At the next grass tournament the following week, the 2024 Queen's Club Championships, he defeated wildcard Dan Evans by retirement, using special exempt to enter the main draw. He also reached the third round at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships upsetting 18th seed Sebastian Baez and defeating Jordan Thompson. As a result he returned to the top 55 in the rankings on 15 July 2024.[36]

Following the 2024 National Bank Open, he reached back the top 50 in the rankings on 12 August 2024. He recorded a first round win at this Masters over local wildcard Denis Shapovalov and an upset over the tenth seed, Tommy Paul, to reach the round of 16 as a qualifier, only his second third round at a Masters level.He received a wildcard for the main draw of the next Masters 1000, his home tournament, the 2024 Cincinnati Open. He reached back-to-back rounds of 16 with upsets over 11th seed Taylor Fritz and Arthur Fils.

World TeamTennis

Nakashima made his World TeamTennis debut in 2020 with the Chicago Smash for their inaugural season.[37]

Nakashima excelled in singles play for the Smash and also paired up with Rajeev Ram throughout the season in men's doubles to help Chicago earn a No. 2 seed in WTT Playoffs. The Smash defeated the Orlando Storm to earn a spot in the final, but ultimately fell to the New York Empire in a Supertiebreaker.

Personal life

Nakashima's father is a Japanese American born in California, while his mother was born in Vietnam and moved to California at age 5.[38] [39]

Nakashima's brother, Bryce, is also a professional tennis player. The two paired up in doubles at the 2024 Atlanta Open.

Performance timeline

Singles

Current through the 2024 Cincinnati Open.

Tournament2018201920202021202220232024SRW–LWin%
Grand Slam tournaments
Australian OpenAAAQ11R1RQ10 / 20–2
French OpenAAQ1Q13R1R2R0 / 33–3
WimbledonAAstyle=color:#767676NH1R4R1R3R0 / 45–4
US OpenQ2A2R2R3R1R0 / 44–4
Win–loss0–00–01–11–27–40–43–20 / 1312–13
ATP Tour Masters 1000
bgcolor=efefef align=leftIndian Wells MastersQ1Astyle=color:#767676NH2R2R2R2R0 / 44–4
bgcolor=efefef align=leftMiami OpenAAstyle=color:#767676NHQ22R2R1R0 / 32–3
bgcolor=efefef align=leftMonte-Carlo MastersAAstyle=color:#767676NHAAAA0 / 00–0
bgcolor=efefef align=leftMadrid OpenAAstyle=color:#767676NHAQ1A1R0 / 10–1
bgcolor=efefef align=leftItalian OpenAAAA1R1R1R0 / 30–3
bgcolor=efefef align=leftCanadian OpenAAstyle=color:#767676NHA1R1R3R0 / 32–3
bgcolor=efefef align=leftCincinnati MastersAAQ11R1R1R3R0 / 42–4
bgcolor=efefef align=leftShanghai MastersAANH3R0 / 12–1
bgcolor=efefef align=leftParis MastersAAAA1RA0 / 10–1
Win–loss0–00–00–01–22–64–65–60 / 2012–20
Career statistics
Tournaments00210242015Career total: 71
Titles0000100Career total: 1
Finals0002100Career total: 3
Overall win–loss0–00–03–217–1235–2313–2017–151 / 7185–72
Year-end ranking7903711666847134

ATP career finals

Singles: 3 (1 title, 2 runner-ups)

Legend
Grand Slam tournaments (0–0)
ATP Tour Finals (0–0)
ATP Tour Masters 1000 (0–0)
ATP Tour 500 Series (0–0)
ATP Tour 250 Series (1–2)
Finals by surface
Hard (1–2)
Clay (0–0)
Grass (0–0)
Finals by setting
Outdoor (1–2)
Indoor (0–0)
ResultW–LDateTournamentTierSurfaceOpponentScore
Loss0–1Los Cabos Open, Mexico250 SeriesHard Cameron Norrie2–6, 2–6
Loss0–2Atlanta Open, United States250 SeriesHard John Isner6–7(8–10), 5–7
Win1–2Sep 2022San Diego Open, United States 250 SeriesHard Marcos Giron6–4, 6–4

ATP Next Generation finals

Singles: 1 (1 title)

ATP Challenger and ITF Futures finals

Singles: 8 (6–2)

Legend
ATP Challenger (4–2)
ITF Futures (2–0)
Finals by surface
Hard (6–2)
Clay (0–0)
Grass (0–0)
Carpet (0–0)
ResultW–LDateTournamentTierSurfaceOpponentScore
Win1–0Orlando Open, USChallengerHard Prajnesh Gunneswaran6–3, 6–4
Win2–0Open Quimper Bretagne, FranceChallengerHard (i) Bernabé Zapata Miralles6–3, 6–4
Win3–0Brest Challenger, FranceChallengerHard (i) João Sousa6–3, 6–3
Loss3–1Good to Great Challenger, SwedenChallengerHard (i) Maximilian Marterer6–2, 4–6, 3–6
Win4–1Tenerife Challenger, SpainChallengerHard Pedro Martínez6–3, 6–4
Loss4–2Koblenz Open, GermanyChallengerHard (i) Jurij Rodionov7–6(9–7), 1–6, 2–6
ResultW–LDateTournamentTierSurfaceOpponentScore
Win1–0USA F25, Laguna NiguelFuturesHard Maxime Cressy6–4, 6–4
Win2–0M25 Rancho Santa Fe, USWorld Tennis TourHard Geoffrey Blancaneaux6–3, 6–3

Doubles: 3 (2–1)

Legend
ATP Challenger (2–1)
ITF Futures (0–0)
Finals by surface
Hard (2–1)
Clay (0–0)
Grass (0–0)
Carpet (0–0)
ResultW–LDateTournamentTierSurfacePartnerOpponentsScore
Loss0–1Open Quimper Bretagne, FranceChallengerHard (i) Hunter Reese Ruben Bemelmans
Daniel Masur
2–6, 1–6
Win1–1Trofeo Faip–Perrel, ItalyChallengerHard (i) Evan King Francisco Cabral
Henry Patten
6–4, 7–6(7–1)
Win2–1Teréga Open Pau–Pyrénées, FranceChallengerHard (i) Christian Harrison Romain Arneodo
Sam Weissborn
7–6(7–5), 6–4

Wins over top 10 players

PlayerRankEventSurfaceclass=unsortableScoreclass=unsortable
2023
1. Holger Runealign=center bgcolor=eee8aa5Shanghai Masters, ChinaHard2R6–0, 6–2122[40]
2024
2. Andrey Rublevalign=center bgcolor=eee8aa8Barcelona Open, SpainClay2R6–4, 7–6(8–6)87[41]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Brandon Nakashima . April 28, 2020 . July 3, 2022 . July 3, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220703014143/https://virginiasports.com/player/brandon-nakashima/ . live .
  2. News: Nakashima, 18, Reaches Delray Beach Quarter-finals In ATP Tour Debut. ATP Tour. February 19, 2020. June 24, 2021. July 2, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220702125426/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/opelka-nakashima-delray-beach-2020-wednesday. live.
  3. News: Nishioka Holds off Nakashima in Delray Beach to Reach Semis. tennisnow.com. February 21, 2020. June 24, 2021. June 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624212427/http://www.tennisnow.com/News/2020/February/Nishioka-Holds-off-Nakashima-in-Delray-Beach-to-Re.aspx. live.
  4. News: Brandon Nakashima upsets Paolo Lorenzi at the 2020 US Open. US Open. August 31, 2020. June 25, 2021. June 25, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210625000610/https://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/articles/2020-08-31/2020-08-31_brandon_nakashima_upsets_paolo_lorenzi_at_the_2020_us_open.html. live.
  5. News: BRANDON NAKASHIMA IMPRESSES IN FOUR-SET LOSS TO ALEXANDER ZVEREV. Tennis Magazine. September 2, 2020. June 25, 2021. June 25, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210625000609/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/brandon-nakashima-impresses-in-four-set-loss-to-alexander-zverev. live.
  6. News: Nakashima On Cusp Of Wimbledon Main Draw. ATP Tour. June 23, 2021. June 25, 2021. June 25, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210625134844/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-into-wimbledon-qualifying-final-round-2021. live.
  7. News: 19-Year-Old Nakashima Completes Impressive Qualifying Run at Wimbledon. tennisnow.com. June 24, 2021. June 25, 2021. June 25, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210625135718/https://tennisnow.com/News/2021/June/19-Year-Old-Nakashima-Completes-Impressive-Qualify.aspx. live.
  8. Web site: The 21 & Under Club in '21: Brandon Nakashima . November 19, 2022 . November 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221119060751/https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/the-21-under-club-in-21-brandon-nakashima . live .
  9. News: Fritz's Road From A Wheelchair In Paris To The Wimbledon Second Round. ATP Tour. June 30, 2021. July 1, 2021. July 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210702031922/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/fritz-wimbledon-2021-feature. live.
  10. News: Isner Growing In Confidence, Reaches Los Cabos Semi-finals. ATP Tour. July 23, 2021. July 24, 2021. July 2, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220702125916/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/isner-nakashima-los-cabos-2021-thursday. live.
  11. News: 19 Y.O. Nakashima Or Norrie To Become First-Time ATP Tour Titlist In Los Cabos. ATP Tour. July 24, 2021. July 24, 2021. July 2, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220702121620/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/norrie-fritz-isner-nakashima-los-cabos-2021-sf. live.
  12. News: Fifth Time's The Charm: Norrie Wins First ATP Tour Title In Los Cabos. ATP Tour. July 25, 2021. July 25, 2021. September 1, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220901202556/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/norrie-nakashima-los-cabos-2021-final. live.
  13. News: Isner Serves Revenge Against Nakashima, Wins Sixth Atlanta Title. ATP Tour. August 2, 2021. August 2, 2021. August 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210802075022/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/isner-nakashima-atlanta-2021-final. live.
  14. News: Nakashima: 'I Want To Show That I Belong With The Top Guys'. ATP Tour. August 2, 2021. August 2, 2021. August 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210802203622/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-top-100-feature-2021. live.
  15. News: Schwartzman Seals SF Spot In Antwerp. ATP Tour. October 22, 2021. October 27, 2021. October 27, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027015307/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/schwartzman-nakashima-antwerp-2021-friday. live.
  16. Web site: 30 October 2021. Nakashima Stamps Ticket for Milan. live. 30 October 2021. Next Generation ATP Finals. https://web.archive.org/web/20211030194212/https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news/nakashima-milan-2021-qualification-ng . 2021-10-30 .
  17. News: 9 November 2021. Brandon Nakashima dominates first match of Next Gen Finals. NBC Sports. Associated Press. 1 January 2022. July 4, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220704141135/https://sports.nbcsports.com/2021/11/09/brandon-nakashima-dominates-first-match-of-next-gen-finals/. live.
  18. Web site: 11 November 2021. Nakashima Earns Rune Victory To Reach Milan SFs. live. 1 January 2022. Association of Tennis Professionals. https://web.archive.org/web/20211111193930/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-rune-milan-2021-thursday . 2021-11-11 .
  19. News: 12 November 2021. Korda beats Nakashima in semifinal at Next Gen finals. The Sports Network. The Canadian Press. 1 January 2022. July 2, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220702125427/https://www.tsn.ca/korda-beats-nakashima-in-all-us-semifinal-at-next-gen-finals-1.1720143. live.
  20. Web site: 3 December 2021. Five #NextGenATP Stars Nominated For Newcomer Of The Year In 2021 Awards. live. 1 January 2022. Association of Tennis Professionals. https://web.archive.org/web/20220102024632/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/atp-awards-2021-newcomer-of-the-year-nominees . 2022-01-02 .
  21. News: French Open 2022: Alexander Zverev into fourth round. Eurosport. May 27, 2022.
  22. Web site: Brandon Nakashima, Taylor Fritz Continue Historic Wimbledon For American Men | ATP Tour | Tennis. ATP Tour. July 2, 2022. July 2, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220702180652/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-galan-wimbledon-2022-saturday. live.
  23. News: All quiet on Centre Court as calm Kyrgios beats Nakashima. Reuters. July 4, 2022. Herman. Martyn. July 11, 2022. July 11, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220711011249/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/kyrgios-beats-nakashima-reach-wimbledon-quarter-finals-2022-07-04/. live.
  24. Web site: Home, Sweet Home: Brandon Nakashima to Play for First ATP Title in San Diego . September 25, 2022 . September 25, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220925082533/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/san-diego-2022-sf . live .
  25. Web site: Hometown Hero: Nakashima Wins First ATP Title In Native San Diego . September 26, 2022 . September 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220926034919/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-giron-san-diego-2022-final . live .
  26. Web site: Brandon Nakashima: First-Time Winner Spotlight | ATP Tour | Tennis . September 26, 2022 . September 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220926233251/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-first-time-winner-spotlight-san-diego-2022 . live .
  27. Web site: Brandon Nakashima Sets Jiri Lehecka Final in Milan | ATP Tour | Tennis . November 11, 2022 . November 11, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221111225018/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/draper-nakashima-milan-2022-friday . live .
  28. Web site: Nakashima Lehecka Milan 2022 Final | Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals | Tennis . November 19, 2022 . November 13, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221113035925/https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news/nakashima-lehecka-milan-2022-final . live .
  29. Web site: Brandon Nakashima: 'My Time Will Come' | ATP Tour | Tennis . October 4, 2023 . October 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231007025640/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-washington-2023-feature . live .
  30. Web site: Casper Ruud Through in Shanghai, Brandon Nakashima Beats Holger Rune | ATP Tour | Tennis . October 7, 2023 . October 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231008143803/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/ruud-nishioka-shanghai-2023-friday . live .
  31. Web site: Mensik, Fognini among Indian Wells WCs . 1 March 2024 . March 4, 2024 . March 4, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240304062519/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/mensik-indian-wells-2024-wild-cards . live .
  32. https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1780244116623802866
  33. Web site: Nakashima sinks Rublev in Barcelona upset. 16 April 2024 .
  34. Web site: The resurgence of Brandon Nakashima. 16 April 2024.
  35. Web site: Stuttgart Open: Jack Draper reaches final with Nakashima win . 15 June 2024.
  36. Web site: Why Nakashima is ‘a completely different player. ATPtour.com. 5 July 2024. 5 August 2024.
  37. News: World TeamTennis Adds Stars Tiafoe, Puig, Roanic, Bouchard, & Sock As Rosters Set For 2020. WTT.com. June 16, 2020. June 18, 2020. June 18, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200618042824/https://wtt.com/2020/06/16/world-teamtennis-adds-stars-tiafoe-puig-raonic-bouchard-sock-as-rosters-set-for-2020/. live.
  38. News: Player Bio: Personal. Brandon Nakashima. ATP Tour. July 5, 2022. July 3, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220703094717/https://www.atptour.com/en/players/brandon-nakashima/n0ae/bio. live.
  39. Web site: Brandon Nakashima: 'I Want To Show That I Belong With The Top Guys' | ATP Tour | Tennis. ATP Tour. August 2, 2021. August 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210802203622/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nakashima-top-100-feature-2021. live.
  40. Web site: Shanghai: Brandon Nakashima blitzes Holger Rune for first Top 10 win; Safiullin ousts Zverev . Tennis.com . 9 May 2024 . en.
  41. News: Barcelona Open: Nakashima ousts Rublev in first round . 9 May 2024 . Sportstar . 16 April 2024 . en.