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"It's super-special, something you dream of...it's a moment I'll never forget," the 21-year-old native of San Diego, Brandon Nakashima softly said after winning his first ATP career title. It was a deep climb up the rounds to make it to the San Diego Open final, too.
He defeated another California comrade and friend, Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-4 on a warm, steamy day. Nakashima was overjoyed for many reasons to not only making it to an event final twice, but winning the championship round. He was delighted to also accomplish this fairytale among family and friends.
There were times when he didn't think the unbelievable would happen because on the other side of the net was his friend and often practice partner. Despite being buddies, Brandon had to be inventive enouth to put out some stining strategies that Giron may not have been aware of in order to win the title match.
"I knew it wasn't going to come easy," Brandon admitted. The ability to keep focused might have caused havoc with him emotionally as he said upon getting his tropy that "Marcos, we're great friends off the court...it's very special.
Nakashima had his strokes and strategies tested time and again throughout touring as previously grinding out a five setter with Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon, bowing to Frances Tiafoe in straight sets at the Atlanta Open and struggling with Jannik Sinner at the U.S.
Open. But it all helped to formulate a tough groundstroke and server of which Brandon proved he had. The first set, Marcos hadn't a chance as he was pitted against his friend's 6 aces in the opener. The second set took nerly an hour as the two dueled with long rallies and dynamic crosscourts.
Brandon went into the San Diego Open ranked no. 69 and finished with an elevated level of no. 48. The San Diego hometown guy felt confident and satisfied to receive his trophy in front of his very supportive team. "I can't think of a better place than in my hometown to earn my first ATP title." All he could say was "It feels like a dream out here." So for Brandon it was a day of rejoicing and when asked on court where the party will be. He gave a coy smile and said "well I guess you all can come over to my house."