BrandonNakashima

Brandon "B-Nak" Nakashima was born in San Diego, California to Wesley and Christina, pharmacists of Japanese and Vietnamese heritage, respectively. He began playing tennis at 3 years old when his grandfather would take him to the local park to play. His junior career peaked at No.3 in the world, winning 2 titles at the ITF junior circuit then later winning the 2018 ITF Junior Masters. At just age 17, he enrolled in the University of Virginia and was named the 2019 ACC Freshman of the Year before he turned pro later that same year. In 2020, he made his first ATP main draw at the Delray Beach Open, reaching the quarterfinals after defeating Jiri Vesely and Cameron Norrie, being stopped by Yoshihito Nishioka. During the pandemic, Brandon donated over 40 pairs of FILA shoes to urgent care physicians and nurses at Sharp Rees-Steely Clinic in Sorrento Mesa, California. He made his Grand Slam Debut later that year at the US Open. 2021 marked a standout year for Brandon, reaching his first tour finals at Los Cabos and Atlanta, reaching a career high of rank 62 and a nomination for ATP Newcomer of the Year. Brandon's favorite shot is his backhand, his favorite surface is hard court, Wimbledon is his favorite tournament, and Paris is his favorite city on tour. The best advice he has is what he received from his parents: "Work hard, stay the course and good things will happen."