This could be a massive week for American hardcourt specialist Brandon Nakashima. A prototypical modern-day hardcourt player, Nakashima has reached three ATP Finals in his career (winning his lone title at the 2022 San Diego Open).
2025 ATP Tour
ATP 500
Mexican Open
Arena GNP Seguros, Acapulco, Mexico (Outdoor Hardcourt)
Selected Quarterfinals- 28th February
Brandon Nakashima vs David Goffin
This could be a massive week for American hardcourt specialist Brandon Nakashima. A prototypical modern-day hardcourt player, Nakashima has reached three ATP Finals in his career (winning his lone title at the 2022 San Diego Open). He enjoyed a solid North American hardcourt swing last year, edging towards the top 30 in the world courtesy of a 4th round run at the US Open. He has struggled to replicate that form in the early stages of this season. However, he appears to have found some rhythm in recent weeks, making it back-to-back ATP Tour quarterfinals after Holger Rune withdrew from their round of 16 clash. Nakashima was leading the first set 3-0 but Rune’s lingering shoulder issues just couldn’t be overcome. These are sometimes the breaks that players like Nakashima need. The uber-athletic Nakashima looks very comfortable in these heavier conditions, chasing down lost causes while playing percentage tennis when the wind picks up.
I feared the worst for David Goffin after his poor start to the season. He lost his first five matches of the year (despite a late 2024 surge that saw him reach a Masters 1000 quarterfinal). He has just looked a shadow of the player who reached as high as seven in the world. But he has now picked up back-to-back ATP 500 victories, winning in straight sets against both Ronky Hijikata and Ben Shelton. He harnessed all his considerable experience in his round of 16 win against Ben Shelton, playing more concise tennis in heavy, wind-affected conditions. He played on Shelton’s ego, forcing the American to go for shots that weren’t there. He was particularly severe on Shelton’s 2nd delivery, winning 52% of his 2nd serve return points. He nullified Shelton’s kick serve and will go into this quarterfinal clash with plenty of confidence.
The Verdict: Nakashima to win in straight sets at – Nakashima leads the head-to-head 1-0, winning in three sets at the 2022 Basel Indoors event. I think this is where Goffin’s brave Acapulco challenge ends. Nakashima is a solid player who knows how to play within himself when the wind starts to swirl. He won’t go for too much and will move Goffin from side to side.
