Alexander Zverev is looking for reparations for his failed title attempt at the French Open earlier this season. Having shut down formidable challenges, the German star has set a firm foot at the US Open. And now, ‘Sascha’ is slated to square off against Brandon Nakashima in the hardcourt event’s fourth round on Monday, September 2. But, what are his chances? Let’s dive in to know all about his upcoming clash.

Alexander Zverev vs Brandon Nakashima: Preview

The German sensation commenced his Flushing Meadows campaign with a roar. Having dropped only two sets in three of his matches so far, Zverev has proved his resilience. The No. 4 seed will enter the much-anticipated showdown on the back of a comeback victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry, wherein he outclassed the Argentine despite enduring a break deficit in the second set. He ultimately concluded the duel with a score line of 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-3.

Meanwhile, Nakashima has already caused three upsets in New York. Flaunting his newfound form, the American sensation delivered a thrilling third-round performance after downing this year’s Wimbledon semifinalist and Olympic bronze medalist, Lorenzo Musetti. Sending the New York crowd into a frenzy, the unseeded pro beat the Italian in a four-setter, by 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4).

Zverev vs Nakashima: Head-to-Head

Both the players have locked horns twice on the ATP Tour. So far, their respective contests have been dictated by the German star, as he leads Nakashima 2-0 in their head-to-head. The American player will be keen to have one back on Zverev as he takes the court in front of the home crowd.

• 2022 Roland Garros, R32: Zverev 7-6(2), 6-3, 7-6(5)
• 2020 US Open, R64: Zverev 7-5, 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-1

Prediction: Sascha to win in four sets

Zverev has been in fine form this season. Having won 55 of the 71 matches, the German added the Italian Open title to his resume and later, also finished as a runner-up at the French Open. That’s not all.  Sascha has managed to reach the latter stages of almost every tournament he has played, including his semifinal run at the Australian Open.

A big swinger, the 27-year-old flaunts an aggressive baseline game, housing heavy topspin shots that enable him to dictate rallies with ease. Standing tall at 6’6, the German has a high serve percentage, which has been time and again put on display for the tennis world. For instance, in his last match, Sascha registered 74% of wins from his first serve while producing 12 aces.

Nakashima, aka ‘B-Nak’, on the other hand, has had a moderate season, wherein he carries a 17-15 match record. He arrived in New York after reaching the third round of the Cincinnati Masters. Adamant on finding success in the Grand Slam, the American has been improving his play substantially this year, scripting notable results in Challenger-level events.

A well-versed and versatile game is what channels the 23-year-old’s on-court methodology. Though he can easily come up to the net to finish points or stay seated at the baseline to repeatedly defend heavy shots, Nakashima needs help converting break points more. The American’s previous encounter witnessed him win merely 5/11 break points. Moreover, his returns need fine-tuning too, having registered just 46/121 of wins on serve returns.

Overall, this match should see Zverev advance. There is no doubt that the crowd will be backing Nakashima, but the German’s experience will help him overthrow ‘B-Nak’ and move to the quarterfinals.