ATP Stuttgart Open 2024: Brandon Nakashima vs Jack Draper; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

The 2024 Stuttgart Open has yielded us with surprising results. Brandon Nakashima and Jack Draper have found their way to each other in the semifinal, and are now set to face each other. While Draper has played in a final this year on the ATP Tour, Nakashima is yet to taste the experience. Both entered the grass season after disappointing results in the clay swing.

Nakashima stepped into Stuttgart after semifinal of the Surbiton trophy, while Draper came into the tournament after a first-round exit in the French Open. The two 22 year olds have played well in Germany, but one will have to end their stint in their clash.  

Brandon Nakashima vs Jack Draper: Preview

Coming into the semifinal, Nakashima is yet to drop a set. After defeating Chris Eubanks and Richard Gasquet, the American player received a walkover in the quarterfinal. Nakashima is serving great as he hit 17 aces and only 1 double fault in both of his matches. Against Gasquet, he landed 75% of his first serves, winning 78% of points on first serve and taking 54% of points on first serves. He converted three out of seven points against the Frenchman, showing his adaptation skills on grass.

Draper beat Sebastian Ofner, Marcos Giron, and Frances Tiafoe to set up a clash with another American. The Briton has made use of his crazy serve, hitting a massive 48 aces in all three matches, with 31 against Tiafoe and 10 double faults throughout each clash. Against Tiafoe, he landed 65% of first serves, winning 85%, while winning 67% of points on second serves. He could only convert 1 out of 6 break points while also giving away 1 break point.   

Nakashima vs Draper: Head-to-Head

The Briton and the American player have met each other once on the ATP Tour. The 2022 ATP Next Gen final held their four-setter clash, which ended 4-3, 1-4, 4-2, 4-3, with Brandon Nakashima as the victor. Nakashima snagged 84% of points on the first serve, with 50% on the second serve. Draper won 68% on first serve, with 53% of points on second serves. Both took one break point from each other, showing their service was just as great as it is today.

The two also faced each other in the Bergamo Challenger semifinal, where Jack Draper was victorious. Despite the two having one victory over each other, they have only played on hard courts, with their first grass court match around the corner.  

Prediction: Draper to take the win and move to the final

Although both players have shown fantastic matches, Jack Draper has shut down his opponents with more ferocity. Draper will come into the final with a massive serve, which is always an advantage on grass. His 31 aces against Tiafoe were a display of his strength, and he can demolish Nakashima to pieces if he can hit half as many aces. Furthermore, Draper’s confidence is at an all-time high, “My last three tie-breaks in the third set I have lost them all, so to come through today is amazing and I am really proud of my level,” he told ATP Tour. 

Although Draper has a better chance at victory, the American has an advantage over the Brit on stamina. He received a walkover against Jan-Lennard Struff, while Draper played a three-setter clash against Tiafoe, his second one of the tournament. Aside from serves, both players are evenly matched on return games in Stuttgart, which will make their clash a close one. 

Draper is set to win, but can Nakashima take vengeance for his American compatriots who were eliminated by his semifinal opponent?