Nakashima became the seventh player from the United States to book a spot in the third round of a grasscourt Grand Slam this year, guaranteeing an eighth place in an All-American fight between Maxim Creasy and Jack Sock.
Top-ranked Americans Taylor Fritz, John Isner, Jenson Brooksby, Tommy Paul, Steve Johnson and Frances Tiafoe are others who have reached that stage – the most at a Grand Slam since the 1996 US Open and the most at Wimbledon in 27 years. . ,
The 20-year-old Nakashima, ranked 56th in the world, hit 22 winners, while reducing his unforced errors to 14 to defeat Canadian left-hander Shapovalov.
“It felt great out there. To play on the biggest stages against such a high level player, nothing gets better,” Nakashima said after his win. “With every match I feel that my game is moving in the right direction.
Back-to-back 3R Grand Slam performance Brandon Nakashima knocks out Denis Shapovalov in four sets #Wimbledon |… https://t.co/w7HZ8s5YHP
— Wimbledon (@wimbledon) 1656608629000
“I’m learning a lot from these matches, win or lose. I think reaching the third round in Paris was big for my confidence.
“Just knowing that I can compete with these top guys at Grand Slams. Making the third round here is another step in the right direction.”
Shapovalov agreed, predicting a “bright future” for his rival.
“He remained very strong. It was very difficult to spot the weaknesses,” said the Canadian, who lost seven of his last eight matches.
“He didn’t give me much to fish. He was just playing a good match, serving well, coming back well. Played really well from behind. Yeah, I mean, kind of like for me.” It was hard to find too many solutions.”