Nakashima Holds His Ground in Queen’s Club Thriller vs Draper
Today’s Queen’s Club match between Jack Draper and Brandon Nakashima was an absolute treat for tennis fans, especially for those keeping an eye on rising American talent. Nakashima, though eventually edged out in the first set, put on a powerful and composed display that left commentators and spectators impressed with his resilience and precision. The match opened with British number one Draper taking the first set 6-4, but it was anything but one-sided. Nakashima showed grit and great anticipation, matching Draper stroke for stroke in long rallies and occasionally taking the upper hand.
In the second set, the tension ramped up as Nakashima kept pace with the local favorite. His service games became cleaner, and his groundstrokes more decisive. At 4-3 up in the second, Nakashima looked poised to potentially break Draper and flip the momentum. The American’s ability to stay calm under pressure was noted by BBC commentator Andrew Cotter, who remarked, “He still looks dangerous, Nakashima.” That comment summed up the vibe: Draper may have had the crowd behind him, but Nakashima brought an aura of quiet threat to the court.
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It wasn’t just about rallies and winners; Nakashima’s court sense and endurance were on full display. His ability to stay in extended points and force errors showed he's no longer just a promising name—he’s a serious contender on the grass. While Draper did manage to hold on and eventually win key games, the match was anything but routine. There were moments when Nakashima had Draper muttering to himself, clearly frustrated by the American’s persistence.
What really stood out was the mental game. Nakashima never lost focus, even when narrowly missing chances. His tactical approach—particularly when handling Draper’s wide serves—was mature and measured. Former GB Davis Cup captain John Lloyd even acknowledged Draper’s reliance on those wide serves, noting they are his “bread and butter,” but Nakashima didn’t bite. He handled them better than most.
Though the scoreboard gave the first set to Draper, the real story lies in Nakashima’s rise. He may not have closed out the win, but his performance suggests he’s close to doing just that on this kind of stage. Matches like these serve as reminders that tennis is as much about staying in the fight as it is about dominating. And Nakashima? He’s definitely staying in the fight—and making everyone take notice.
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