Brandon Nakashima is one of the players that may certainly make headlines in 2023 as he showed his qualities this season.
First, the 21-years-old American lifted his maiden ATP title after beating compatriot Marcos Giron in San Diego. A few weeks later, he dominated at the 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals and lifted the trophy that was previously held by likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Speaking about his triumph, he said:
“It definitely means a lot ending this year with a title," Nakashima said in an interview with Steve Flink. "It was a great year for me all around. I learned a lot and grew as a player. Finishing the year with a title against the best young and up and coming players is a great achievement. This tournament will be a good stepping stone for me.”
Every year is a new challenge for Nakashima, who is trying to cement his spot on the ATP Tour and so it's not a surprise that winning some big titles for him checks some goals that he set before the season start.
“At the beginning of the year it was always a goal of mine to try and win my first ATP Tour title some time during the year. I always knew I had the game to do it, but it was just about having the right opportunity at the right time."
"To be able to win my first title in my hometown was super special. Having all my friends and family come out there to support me was really nice. I grew up learning the game of tennis in San Diego. I will never forget winning that tournament.”
"American tennis is in a very good spot. So for me to be inside the top fifty is great, but I want to keep getting better. My goals for next year are to break into the top 25 or 30 and go deep at all of the Grand Slams as well," he said. "I am still pretty young at 21 so I am building up my fitness and getting stronger and faster."
"One of the keys next year will be lasting longer in these best of five set matches. I felt that Sinner at the U.S. Open definitely lasted longer than me in those long rallies and the really physical games. So I am working hard to get fitter and fitter. I know what a difference that can make for me.”
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