Nakashima eliminated Isner in Indian Wells
Rising American tennis prospect Brandon Nakashima prevailed over fellow countryman John Isner 7-6 (7), 6-3 to advance to the second round of the tournament in Indian Wells, where he is guaranteed a match with Russia's Daniil Medvedev.
The 21-year-old Nakashima saved a break point at 5-4 in the first set, sent the match into a tiebreak and took the tiebreak there. In the second half of the match, he took one of the serves from the experienced Isner, known for his merciless serve, to send the crowd into a frenzy, which included Kaizer Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his family.
"Coming to this tournament has always been very exciting for me. I grew up nearby, right next to San Diego, and this is one of the tournaments that was literally in front of my eyes when I was little. I came to watch all the top pros. So to play against a top competitor from the USA in this competition gives me a special feeling," said Nakashima after his success, which came in an hour and 40 minutes.
Isner, a finalist at this tournament 11 years ago, made an uncharacteristic seven double faults, part of his total of 25 unchallenged, or 18 more than his young rival. But the next obstacle for the young local talent is much more serious and that is Daniil Medvedev. The Russian is on a streak of three consecutive titles, 14 consecutive victories and occupies 6th place in the world ranking.
In another first-round match, Australian Jordan Thompson defeated French veteran Gael Monfils 6:3, 6:1, and Diego Schwartzman (Argentina) breezed through fellow countryman Federico Coria 6:1, 6:2. Monfils, now 36, has not played since August last year as a series of injuries necessitated treatment and a lengthy rehabilitation.
Hugo Humber will meet Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the second round, who eliminated Bernabe Zapata Mirayes (Spain) 6:2, 7:6 (6). Marcos Chiron, who won the student singles title for the UCLA team, eliminated Aleksandar Kovacevic 6:3, 7:5. The Chinese Wu Yibin - the first tennis player from this country with a title in an ATP tournament, continues here as well.
Last week's champion in Dallas eliminated Jaume Munar 6:7 (6), 6:0, 7:6 (3). Australian Open quarterfinalist Jiri Lehecka defeated Artur Riederknech 7:6 (4), 7:5.
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