Nakashima and the secret of his rise: "If I believe in myself, I know I can play very well"

Brandon Nakashima is the standout name of this North American hard court swing. The American is proving at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati that what happened a week ago in Canada, where he reached the final, was no mere coincidence. His tennis doesn't slow down, nor do his serve or forehand, which are his best weapons. It was evident in his great victory against Taylor Fritz by 7-6(9), 4-6, 6-3 and it allows him to reach the semifinals against Frances Tiafoe.

But in addition to standing out once again with his serve and forehand, Nakashima is already adding a key aspect to his game: winning without playing his best tennis and while physically and mentally fatigued, as he confessed in his interview with Tennis Channel. With the progress he has made in recent weeks, he is now ranked number 16 in the world, and if he advances to the final, he would position himself as the eleventh-best player in the ATP ranking.

Image

Brandon Nakashima knows how to win without playing his best tennis

“Today was not easy at all. First of all, facing someone like Taylor is never straightforward. Plus, I was also battling with myself out there, mentally and physically, feeling a bit fatigued at times, but just trying to find a way to push through and close it out in the end."

Nakashima emphasizes the importance of his team in difficult moments

"When I'm on the court and things aren't going as you want or you don't feel too confident, in moments like that, you start to get frustrated a bit more easily. Having a team on your bench that maintains a positive attitude and helps you keep pushing for more I think is important. Trying to find that extra gear, especially in matches like this when you're not playing your best tennis or are a bit tired, is really important. It's a testament to your character as a player."

Nakashima talks about his close relationship with his new coach Wayne Ferreira

"I think his personality, to begin with, is pretty calm and relaxed most of the time. And I think it fits very well with my personality on the court. Also, he was a high-level player, so he knows when he needs to push a little harder, when to talk more, or when to say less during matches, depending on how I’m feeling, whether I’m frustrated or not. I think so far it's been great. We’ve built a good relationship and we're having fun together."

Nakashima and a forehand that is becoming a great weapon

"I have always felt that I can hit my forehand well, that I can be aggressive with that shot. It was just about doing it when it really matters or when those pressure moments arrive."

"With all these matches, I feel a lot of confidence to rely on my forehand in those situations right now. Even if I miss some balls or make mistakes in those moments, it's about continuing to accelerate the shot. If I trust myself, I know I can play well in the end," says a Brandon Nakashima who doesn't want anyone to wake him from this dream.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nakashima y el secreto de su auge: "Si confío en mí mismo, sé que puedo jugar muy bien"