ATP Montreal: Tommy Paul vs Brandon Nakashima; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

The men’s doubles bronze medalist in Paris, Tommy Paul, has started his Canadian Open campaign with a comfortable victory. In the next match, he will take on his compatriot, Brandon Nakashima. B-Nak has played some exceptional brand of tennis at the Challengers this year. Can he now bring that A-game to the main Tour?

Paul defeated Italy’s Luciano Darderi in the first round (R64), while Nakashima is currently on a three-match winning streak in Montreal. Moreover, the 23-year-old is yet to drop a set in this tournament. This match is surely going to be a blockbuster showdown!

Tommy Paul vs Brandon Nakashima: Preview

Paul has already won two titles in the 2024 season. He has also reached one final, two SFs, and four QFs this season (including the Paris Olympics). The American looked quite impressive against Darderi. He scored 9 aces and committed just 3 double faults. He won 79% of his first serve and 71% of his second serve, but Paul could only convert 1/3 of his breakpoints and gave away none.

Nakashima has won one title, reached one final, five SFs, and three QFs this season this year, including the Challengers Tour. Even here, he has made an impressive start! Nakashima defeated Canada’s Denis Shapovalov by two sets in the R64. He hit 4 aces and committed 5 double faults. B-Nak won 73% of his first serve and 68% of his second serve against Shapo. He converted 2/3 breakpoints, with none given away.

Paul vs Nakashima: Head-to-Head

Tommy Paul has faced Brandon Nakashima thrice in his career, and most of the fans would be surprised to know that it’s Nakashima who currently has the edge in the H2H scoreline. B-Nak leads the H2H by 2-1 against Paul.

• 2019 Cary Challenger: Paul 7-6(0), 6-4
• 2022 ‘s-Hertogenbosch R32: Nakashima 6-7, 7-6, 7-6
• 2023 Lyon QF: Nakashima 6-3, 7-6(4) 

Prediction: Paul to win in straight sets

Although Nakashima has the edge in their H2H, Paul has been in red-hot form this year. He has the experience of playing some of the biggest stars of the game. Paul has a good history with the tournament, as he reached the SF in 2023 after defeating Carlos Alcaraz. Currently, Paul is ranked 12th in the world, and he has a win-loss record of 32-12 this season. On the other hand, Nakashima (52) has a win-loss record of just 15-14 on the Tour this year.

Paul is known for his decisive baseline game and his extremely competitive nature. He has a strong forehand and solid footwork along the baseline. Paul is someone who we’d often see coming to the nets to finish off the points. He can also engage in longer rallies to wear down his opponents with his consistent and aggressive shot-taking abilities. His favorite shot is the overhead shot, which can earn him winners should he put Nakashima in a difficult position. 

Nakashima, on the other hand, comes up with an aggressive serve, accompanied by flat groundstrokes and also enjoys coming to the net. His versatility with a lethal backhand and extremely good court coverage makes him a danger for his compatriot. His biggest weapon is the double-handed backhand, which has been used to finish off many rallies. 

Both players will rely on their first serves, therefore a good return can spell victory. Although Nakashima has the lead in their H2H, he does not stand a chance against the in-form Tommy Paul, but he can be a tough competitor.