TENNIS.com Podcast: Brandon Nakashima on being mentally tough at 18

Jul 21, 2020
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TENNIS.com Podcast: Brandon Nakashima on being mentally tough at 18

Meet the American who made the quarterfinals in his ATP debut, likens his game to Novak Djokovic's and is eager to test his skills out at WTT.

Published Jul 21, 2020

TENNIS.com Podcast: Brandon Nakashima on being mentally tough at 18

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"One of my biggest strengths on the court is definitely my mental game and just being in every point, in every match, and not getting too down on myself or getting too excited."

This week, TENNIS.com Podcast listeners get to meet one of the newest and mentally toughest teens on tour, Brandon Nakashima.

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After just one semester at the University of Virginia, the 18-year-old turned pro. He would go on to win his second ITF Futures title in January and make his ATP debut as a wild card in Delray Beach. Making the most of opportunity, the San Diego native reached the quarterfinals. He impressed the world with his mental toughness and his all-court game style—which he likens to Novak Djokovic's.

TENNIS.com Podcast: Brandon Nakashima on being mentally tough at 18

TENNIS.com Podcast: Brandon Nakashima on being mentally tough at 18

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Nakashima is getting a lot of good play under his belt at WTT. (Ryan Loco)

While the shutdown stalled his climb up the rankings, the world No. 220 made the most of his spare time by training hard and tweaking his team (it now includes Pat Cash and Dusan Vemic). The teen is competing for the Chicago Smash this month in West Virginia while looking forward to the tour restarting.

The views, information, and/or opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast creators and do not necessarily represent those of The Tennis Channel, Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries.