Brandon Nakashima started his 2025 US Open journey with a performance that showed both grit and composure, as he secured a dramatic five-set victory in the opening round. Facing Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong, the American had to dig deep, coming back from a difficult mid-match stretch before finally sealing the win in front of an energized New York crowd.
The final scoreline—7–6, 6–7, 2–6, 6–2, 7–6—tells the story of a contest that was anything but straightforward. Nakashima took the first set confidently, but de Jong responded with relentless shot-making to edge out the next two sets. At that point, the pressure was on Nakashima to find another level. He did exactly that, powering through the fourth set with strong serving and steadier groundstrokes before holding his nerve in a dramatic fifth-set tiebreak.
Match Overview
The clash had the intensity of a second-week showdown rather than an opening-round battle. For Nakashima, it was a test of physical endurance as well as mental resilience.
Set-by-set breakdown:
- First set: Nakashima edged out a tiebreak, setting an early tone.
- Second set: De Jong fought back, leveling the match with clutch play in another tight breaker.
- Third set: The Dutchman surged ahead, leaving Nakashima visibly frustrated.
- Fourth set: The American regained rhythm, tightening his baseline game and taking control.
- Fifth set: A dramatic tiebreak saw Nakashima close the door with composed serving and fearless winners.
This kind of high-stakes match in the opening round is often a launchpad for players with deeper ambitions, and Nakashima will certainly hope this hard-fought win serves as just that.
Recent Form and Career Momentum
Brandon Nakashima entered the US Open with growing confidence after a strong summer hard-court swing. Earlier this year, he reached a new career-high singles ranking inside the world’s top 35, signaling his steady rise on the ATP Tour.
Beyond singles, Nakashima also claimed his first doubles title this season, a victory that highlighted his versatility and on-court intelligence. These achievements reflect a player who has steadily matured since his early days on tour, evolving into a consistent competitor capable of challenging the best.
What sets Nakashima apart is his calm demeanor. He rarely shows frustration, even when momentum shifts against him, and this composure often becomes his biggest weapon during extended matches. The win over de Jong was a perfect example of how patience and resilience can turn a difficult contest around.
Strengths That Shined in New York
Several aspects of Nakashima’s game stood out during his US Open opener:
- Clutch serving: In the fifth-set tiebreak, he delivered unreturnable serves at key moments.
- Baseline control: Once he adjusted in the fourth set, Nakashima’s ability to dictate rallies turned the tide.
- Mental resilience: Staying calm despite losing two sets in a row showcased his steady mindset.
- Fitness: The ability to outlast an opponent in a nearly four-hour match highlights his conditioning.
These qualities will be crucial as he progresses through the draw, especially with the depth of talent present in this year’s field.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Brandon Nakashima moves into the second round, where he will face another qualifier, Jérôme Kym. On paper, Nakashima enters as the favorite, but the US Open has a long history of upsets, and no match can be taken lightly. If he can build on the confidence of this opening win, the path to another deep run in New York is within reach.
Fans will also be eager to see whether Nakashima can match or even surpass his breakout performance from last year, where he made headlines with a string of impressive wins at the same tournament. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows seem to suit his style perfectly, and his steady progress suggests he is ready to continue making waves on the sport’s biggest stages.
Final Thoughts
The opening round of any Grand Slam can be tricky, and for Brandon Nakashima, it turned into a marathon test. Yet instead of faltering, he rose to the occasion, showcasing the traits that have made him one of the most promising young Americans on tour.
With the home crowd firmly behind him and momentum building, Nakashima now turns his focus to the next challenge. If this five-set thriller is any indication, his US Open campaign promises more drama, determination, and moments of brilliance.
Tennis fans will be watching closely to see just how far his journey in New York goes this year.