Tennis News: Atlanta Open - Brandon Nakashima begins title bid with victory over Jordan Thompson
Brandon Nakashima of the United States began his bid for the title at Atlanta Open with a 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-3 victory over Jordan Thompson of Australia in the opening round at the Atlantic Station in Atlanta; Georgia, on July 26
Brandon Nakashima2021 Atlanta Open finalist Brandon Nakashima marked an excellent start against his American opponent. The 20-year-old American has locked horns with Jordan Thomspon four times in the last 53 weeks.
The victory improved the win-loss record of Brandon Nakashima against Jordan Thompson to 3-1.
Both were equally matched in the opening set. However, Brandon Nakashima clinched the set 7-5 in the tiebreak to gain a one-set advantage.
Jordan Thomson rolled back into the competition by dominating the second set 6-3 to send the match into a decider.
Brandon Nakashima secured a second-round spot after winning the hard-fought third set 6-3. The eighth seed served nine aces, won 79% of the points on the first serve, 68% on the second and earned his sole break of the match in the decider to secure his victory after two hours and 12 minutes of dramatic play.
Brandon Nakashima will lock horns with John Millman of Australia in a second-round clash on July 27. The 33-year-old Australian advanced to the second round after beating compatriot Alexei Popyrin 7-6(7-1), 4-6, 6-3 in the opening round of the ATP 250 event.
World No. 56 Brandon Nakashima is looking to qualify for the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Generation ATP Finals set to take place in Milan, Italy, from November 8. Nakashima is currently at the eighth spot in the qualification race, just one spot behind the level needed.
Jenson Brooksby cruises past Benoit Paire in the opening round
Home hope Jenson Brooksby won against Benoit Paire in straight sets to advance to the second round of the Atlanta Open on July 26.'
Jenson Brooksby had an excellent start to the season, advancing to the final at the Dallas Open and winning three matches each at Indian Wells and Miami Masters.
However, he lost momentum during the grass and clay seasons, losing eight of his 13 matches.
Jenson Brooksby took control of the match early in the game and broke the serve of his French opponent four times from eight opportunities to secure a 6-3, 6-1 victory,
In an on-court interview, Jenson Brooksby said, "It feels really nice to be back in the States. Always after two or three weeks off of matches, it feels good to get a win under your belt and I thought that was a really solid match to start. I've been training well too, so I am excited with the path I'm on right now."
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