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Brandon Nakashima, 20, enjoyed a good season last year and now he is hoping to continue his progress in 2022. World No. 68 Nakashima proved last year that he is capable of performing well on the ATP level as he made finals in Atlanta and Los Cabos.
Nakashima fell just short of winning his maiden ATP title last year but he broke into the top-100 for the first time in his career and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 62. “I think like most other players towards the end of the year, the gas tank starts to get a little bit low,” Nakashima told Tennis magazine.
“There are certain times you're a little bit more mentally tired than physically out there. That's why at the end of the year, you just try to push as hard as you can, try to finish the year strong. “I think being at a different spot in the rankings definitely helps with planning tournaments.
Having that clear schedule and trying to pace yourself, not playing too much all at once, having training weeks, having off weeks, is going to be big to make sure I play at a high level throughout the whole year”.
Nakashima thrilled to have sponsorship deals
Nakashima is one of the most promising players on the Tour and he is backed by Babolat, Fila and Motorola.
“Tennis is such an expensive sport, so the support from sponsors definitely helps a lot. It puts you in a good position out there,” Nakashima says. “You're not having to worry about the financial side as much, as maybe if you didn't have them.
“You have a team around you that gives guidance on your journey, but ultimately most of the decisions are up to you and how you play out there. It's tough compared to other sports, but it's good for maturing and the tennis afterlife”. Nakashima is currently in Australia as he is set to make his debut at the Australian Open.