Brandon Nakashima won his first ATP title on Sunday, and it came at home in San Diego, California.
Nakashima beat fellow Californian and UCLA product Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-4 in the San Diego Open final. The world No. 69 triumphed after one hour and 24 minutes.
“It feels like a dream out here,” Nakashima assured. “(It’s) my first ATP title in my hometown. To be able to capture my first title here, it’s unbelievable. (It was an) amazing atmosphere out here tonight, and I just really want to say thank you for coming out and showing your support.”
Earlier in the day on the indoor hard courts of Metz, Lorenzo Sonego lifted an ATP trophy for the third time after defeating Alexander Bublik 7-6(3), 6-2 in the Moselle Open championship match. Sonego survived a difficult first set before Bublik went away mentally in the second of a one-hour and 27-minute contest.
The 65th-ranked Italian was playing in his fifth ATP final and first of the season.
“I improved my tennis every day, and I’m really happy for this match and this tournament,” Sonego said. “I like the atmosphere here, it was unbelievable today and yesterday and this week. It’s really tough to play against Alexander, because he is an unbelievable player with an amazing serve, good talent, and it is always tough to play him…. “This is an emotional moment for me, because I had a tough year.”
The ATP 250-point swing continues this week in Seoul, Sofia, and Tel Aviv.
nice one, Naka
Good stuff. Though I did terrible in my Metz bracket, I got Naka d Giron spot on.