Next Gen ATP Finals: Brandon Nakashima beats Jiri Lehecka to become the winner of the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals

Brandon Nakashima dropped just two sets in the round-robin stage en route to the championship match of the Next Gen ATP Finals.

Jiri Lehecka began the match aggressively and raced to a 1-3 lead in the opening set, but the no. four seed Brandon Nakashima discovered his rhythm, raised his level, and saved set points in the second set tiebreak.

He maintained firm control of his emotions despite the pressure and dominated the 21-year-old Czechian with his explosive and accurate groundstrokes.

Brandon Nakashima was comfortable with the 15-second shot clock rule with his missed returns and aces at the first-to-four, best-of-five-set. He fired 19 winners while committing four unforced errors to secure his victory after one hour and 20 minutes of play.

After the victory, Brandon Nakashima said, “I am super happy right now. This final was another tough match. Just a few points that could have gone either way. I am happy with my level today. It is a good way to finish off the year.”

He further added, “It was a final, so there are going to be some pressure moments. I am happy I was able to turn it around quickly and close it out at the end.”

The victory over Jiri Lehecka made Brandon Nakashima the fifth player to win the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals, joining Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jannik Sinner, Hyeon Chung, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Jiri Lehecka began the season as the world's no 141 but is ending as the world's no. 74 on the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

Brandon Nakashima finished his second season on tour on an excellent note. He won his maiden title at San Diego Open, reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and topped it off by winning the Next Gen ATP Finals.