Cincinnati Open: Nakashima knocks out former champion Medvedev
Cincinnati, August 19
Brandon Nakashima saved three match points, continuing his fine run at the ongoing Cincinnati Open by shocking 23-time ATP titlist and former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
On Tuesday, Nakashima beat the Russian 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the competition, as per ATP's official website.
Trailing by 0/40 at 4-5 while serving in the second set, Nakashima was at the brink of ending what has been a dream run, but he maintained his composure, showcased some elite ball-striking and fearlessness, turning the momentum in his favour against the former Cincinnati champion, completing the match in two hours, 51 minutes.
Nakashima arrived at the tournament after a breakthrough first ATP Masters 1000 final in Montreal last week, having also played in the semifinals at Washington earlier this month. This string of strong performances has propelled him to a career-high of number 22 in the ATP Rankings.
Speaking after the match, he said, "Down match points, I was just trying to tell myself to keep fighting for every point. If he is able to close it out there, then too good. I just kept fighting and managed to get it to a third set. I am super happy with the level in the third."
"Throughout these matches, there's always ups and downs, times where I'm not feeling as good, but I just try to stick through every moment and keep fighting," Nakashima added.
Nakashima saved his first match point with a forehand approach and volley finishing before outclassing the Russian in an 18-ball rally to deny him the second one. The third match point was also saved thanks to well-executed serve-and-volley play, getting his fifth win over a top-10 ranked opponent.
Nakashima's next match will be against Nuno Borges, who also ended his five-match ATP Head-to-Head losing streak to Andrey Rublev with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over the 13th seed.
Also, Taylor Fritz continued his fine run on home soil with a 6-3, 6-4 victory against rising Spaniard Daniel Merida, having lifted the ATP 500 title in Washington. Now he will meet Australian qualifier Christopher O'Connell in the round of 16.
— ANI
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