Next Gen ATP Finals: Brandon Nakashima defeats Jack Draper and Jiri Lehecka moves into Championship Match
No. 4 seed Brandon Nakashima of the United States won against Jack Draper of the United Kingdom 4-3(6), 1-4, 4-2, 4-3(5) in the semifinal on November 11
Brandon NakashimaThe 21-year-old American advanced to the semifinal after going 3-0 in the round-robin stage. He performed excellently against the Brit to claim his 34th tour-level victory of the season.
Brandon Nakashima put forth an excellent display of explosive power with his tight backhand strikes and heavy-hitting forehand shots to advance after one hour and 38 minutes of play.
It is the second time Brandon Nakashima has played in Milan, having advanced to the semifinal last year. He has had an impressive season, claiming his maiden title at the San Diego Open and going to the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Jiri Lehecka and Brandon Nakashima will lock horns in the championship clash of the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals on November 13.
Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic advanced to the championship match of Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals after beating Dominic Stricker 4-1, 4-3(4), 2-4, 4-1 at Accor Arena in PalaLido in Milan, Italy, on November 11.
The 21-year-old Czechian is having an excellent season, starting at World No. 141 before advancing to the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan at World No. 74. He won the ATP Challenger Tour trophy in Liberec and moved to the semifinals in Rotterdam.
The Czech sensation has earned five Top 40 victories this season, including the win against World No. 23 Lorenzo Musetti of Italy. He dominated and placed pressure on Dominic Stricker by getting close to the net to book a spot in the championship clash after one hour and 22 minutes of play.
Jiri Lehecka served four aces, fired 21 winners, won 77% of the points on the first serve and broke the serve of his Swiss opponent two times from four opportunities. In contrast, Dominic Stricker served two aces, won 76% of the points on the first serve and earned one breakpoint from two chances.
After the victory, Jiri Lehecka said, “I think everything went the way I wanted. I and my team spoke about this match yesterday and today. The plan was just to relax on the court and enjoy it as much as I can. Dominic was playing incredibly here, so I am very happy with my win.”