Brandon Nakashima returns to the site of one of his best Grand Slam shows: the US Open. Twelve months ago, the American upset Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti in a breakout fourth round run at his major at home.
Now firmly located in the Top 40 of the PIF ATP ranking lists, the 24-year-old Nakashima will hope to re-channel support for the home base to record further successes in New York. Atptour.com caught up with the American to talk to his American open memories, his approach to the beautiful culinary scene offered in ‘The Big Apple’ and more.
Read more US Open Insights and Memories from ATP Tour Stars in Our series ‘My US Open’.
What is your first memory of looking at the US open?
Growing up, I never went live to look. But watch TV, I remember that I always looked [Roger] Federer plays there when I was super young. I would always wait until he was playing to turn on the TV, it didn’t matter at what time of the day. I think that was one of the earliest memories.
What do you remember that you played it for the first time?
I play it for the first time, I remember that it was in the qualification of the men when I was 16 because I won the national boys of 16 and younger and that brought me a wildcard in the qualification of the men. I remember that I won the first round 7-6 in the third and lost the second round [Ugo] Humbert in a fairly narrow match. I also remember that I played juniors that year and I think making the second or third round.
How was that experience?
It was an incredible experience. For every young tennis player, it is super special to compete at the US Open. And for me it was absolutely very eye opening to see how Grand Slams works, how all players, top players, their schedule go there every day and just see their routines, and also with the fans there. It was the first time that I played with some large crowds and had that attention, so that was definitely a special experience.
What about the location? Because you get there, you come from Manhattan and you see Arthur Ashe Stadium.
That is also something else. I remember that I was going to go the terrain for the first time and people go crazy. There is a lot of music and loud support from all fans in all courts. That was something I remember. It was like this huge event in which I played. And in the beginning it was also a shock for me.
Do you have a favorite court at the US Open?
I have never played on Arthur Ashe. I would say that a favorite must be Court 17 for me. Last year I had a few great matches there, also had a great atmosphere on that court. That is certainly one of my favorites certainly at the moment.
What about a favorite game you played?
It must be against Musetti in the third round last year. That game was one of the best atmosphere I played. People went crazy all over the field, the entire game. I also had many friends from the university and many of my family there. So that was one of my favorite matches in my career to date.
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What about the city of New York? How much do you like that? Is there something that you like?
I certainly enjoy it during the tournament there, but everything is so busy there. There is so many things to do if you are not in front of the courts, so many nice restaurants that we can go with the team, with some family and friends a few evenings. It is always a good time in New York. At the end of last year I also spent a few days in New York, so that was fun too.
Are there tourist attractions that you like?
I also walked a forest and central park around Times Square. That is always fun and relaxing to walk through the park. Unlike that, we have had many great restaurants, many great dinners there, so those are always great times.
Is there a favorite restaurant?
I have been to Cote, it is a Korean barbecue place. I also know the owner of Fly Fish Club, who is also a great restaurant and I have had some great memories there. There are a number of restaurants that I would also like to try that are pretty famous.
With Wimbledon you think of strawberries and cream. What do you associate the US open with?
Probably the American fans. They are absolutely crazy for the American players, which is always fun. And the atmosphere on the courts, especially at night, is something that you don’t get anywhere else, I think.
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