Nakashima defeats Rune 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 access In the US Open the second round
Brandon Nakashima of San Diego, California came out on top 150 as recently as October 2023. After winning the Challenger title at the start of the season, he has regained his composure and made a breakthrough. 50.
I 23year old gained confidence and ranked points throughout the season with impressive wins over Taylor Fritz, Denis Shapovalov, Tommy Paul, and Arthur Fils during the summer hardcourt swing. With Holger Rune’s recent struggles on and off the court, Nakashima was in good shape considering his own 2-0 head to head lead.
Two years younger than Rune, he reached a career high of #4 last August because of his victory over Novak Djokovic in the match 2022 Kings 1000 event in Paris in addition to three other tour-level titles. Although he beat himself with respect 33-17 win/loss record this season, he appears to be struggling perhaps as a result of recurring injuries and constant changes to his team.
Nakashima served first, opened with an ace, and was held to love. Rune hit an ace wide and equalized with a well-struck forehand cross. Nakashima hit a repeat with an ace to open and hold love 2-1.
Rune opened the fourth with a double fault and although he hit one he faced two deuces and a double point, he held it. 2-2 with five winners including his second ace in the match point.
Nakashima opened the fifth with his third ace and held it to love 3-2. Rune missed 4/8 first served and faced deuce, break point, and went down to serve when the net backhand. Nakashima opened with a poor backhand and faced deuce and a break point but consolidated the break with two stunning aces.
Go down 2-5 gifted with three consecutive faults, faced a triple point, and conceded it when Nakashima crushed the forecourt.
The American continued to play with calmness and belief. He opened with a monster serve out wide and held on easily 15. Rune missed 4/4 The first run included a double fault and with three more faults, the delivery was abandoned.
Nakashima is done 4/5 first served, won a 17-shot rally, and included a break to 15. Rune returned the favor 4/5 first serve, by winning a 17-shot rally with a blistering backhand down the line and hold to 15.
The American faced a double point after Rune won a rare victory 34-shot rally following Nakashima’s unforced error. Nakashima saved both with volley winners and took the lead 4-1 after the Rune had been widely missed in the front.
The Dane was frustrated with his level and faced two deuces, two break points, and dropped serve while hitting a backhand to the head. He was successful in netting but unforced errors continued to lead to winners.
Nakashima worked for the set and despite hitting two aces, gave up double faults, faced two deuces and three break points before winning. 6-1.
Rune served for the first time in the third with a stunning inside winner, held to love. The American did 3/5 first serve including ace up the tee and hold 15 level.
Rune continued to advance where he found repeated success. He missed 5/10 for the first time, given four unforced errors, and faced two break points and a break held with three dominant winners.
Nakashima is done 3/4 first you worship and you are caught in love 2-2. Rune missed 6/8 first you serve and face deuce and a breakpoint but you are caught 3-2 with a blistering backhand down the line and a deft backhand drop shot.
Nakashima remained very focused and determined. He opened the sixth with a stunning inside forehand and two consecutive aces, which were easily caught 15. Rune missed 5/6 First serve including his fifth double fault, faced a double break point, and went down to serve after missing a wide backhand.
Nakashima is done 3/5 first serves and is easily caught to 15 for 5-3 while Rune serves to stay in the game. Although he is not there 5/10 served first and faced two deuces and match points, Rune made two straight first serves and secured the match with a crisp crosscourt backhand volley.
Although Nakashima opened with two consecutive mistakes from the front, i 2022 NextGen ATP The final champion won a 19-shot rally before getting a set and match a missed backhand from Rune.
It was a well-constructed and high-quality game. He played inside himself while calling the play. In just under two hours, Nakashima dominated his opponent who succeeded in serving, returning and enduring a groundstroke. He finished with eleven aces, one double fault, and won in spectacular fashion 84First % once 61% of points for second offer.
He was equally active when he came back, winning 42First % once 59% of return points given second. He saved 6/6 points break while converting 5/13 and hit the same number of winners and misses (twenty-three).
