Good Evening. Welcome to Nakashima Nightly. It is July 11th, and I'm Dan Burkett - your lead Nakashima Correspondent.
Before we begin, I want to take a moment to acknowledge Taylor Fritz in this week's hashtag-Fritz-Friday. Playing in his first ever Wimbledon semifinal, Fritz was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. Fritz played a determined match, and with two set points in the fourth set tiebreaker, it was a heartbreaking loss for the American. Still, we congratulate Taylor Fritz on a great grass court season, and look forward to seeing what he can do in the North American hard court swing.

American tennis pro Brandon Nakashima took a well-earned break from the professional circuit yesterday, opting for a day filled with casual sports and quality time with his brother. After spending the earlier part of the day on the golf course, Nakashima was spotted later hitting tennis balls with his brother in what appeared to be a relaxed and enjoyable session on the courts.

While there are no major updates to report in terms of tournaments or rankings for Nakashima at the moment, the glimpse into his off-court life is a reminder of the balance athletes strive to maintain during the long, demanding tennis season. With the ATP Tour's summer hardcourt swing approaching, days like these offer a chance to recharge both physically and mentally.

Known for his calm demeanor and powerful baseline play, Nakashima has steadily carved out a name for himself on tour. His 2022 ATP title in San Diego and deep runs in several other tournaments have shown that he possesses both the talent and the temperament to compete with the best. But like any top-tier athlete, downtime is essential—and yesterday's mix of golf and tennis seems to be part of that personal formula.

While fans may be eager for news of his next big match or training milestone, it’s moments like these that provide a deeper look at the human side of high-performance sport. Whether refining his serve on the practice court or lining up a putt on the green, Nakashima remains a model of focus, discipline, and quiet dedication.

For now, supporters will have to wait for his next official appearance. But it’s safe to say that Brandon Nakashima is keeping his game—and his spirit—in good shape.

Stay tuned for more updates as the tour rolls on.
And with that, we conclude our first week here at Nakashima Nightly. Thank you so much for your continued support. Please continue to support our show by liking this episode, commenting below, sharing with a friend, and subscribing to our channel.
For Nakashima Nightly, I'm Dan Burkett, signing off.

Welcome back, tennis fans! It is July 10th, this is Nakashima Nightly, and I'm Dan Burkett, your lead Brandon Nakashima correspondent. Before we begin with our usual news report regarding superstar Brandon Nakashima, I want to first extend a heartfelt congratulations to Amanda Anisimova for defeating Sabalenka to earn her spot in this year's Wimbledon final. Truly, an amazing run she's been having, and we hope to see her take the title on Saturday. Now, let's get to it:

While most professional athletes spend their seasons traveling, training, and competing non-stop, American tennis player Brandon Nakashima chose a different route today. Instead of heading straight back to the practice courts after his Wimbledon run, Nakashima took an unorthodox detour in his grass-court season—with a leisurely round of golf alongside his brother.

The 23-year-old, known for his calm and composed presence on the tennis court, decided to take a break not with more drills or gym time—but with fresh air, soft fairways, and the soft thwack of a golf ball off a tee. It wasn’t about training his swing; it was about recharging his mind and body—something more and more top athletes are realizing is just as important as physical workouts.

So why would a professional tennis player swap his high-stakes routine for a quiet morning on the green?

Because on the ATP Tour, rest is part of the grind.

Brandon Nakashima may not always be in the spotlight like some of his louder or flashier tennis peers, but that’s exactly what makes him so interesting. He lets his tennis do the talking—and this season, it’s said plenty.

After winning two tough matches at Wimbledon, including a four-set victory over fellow American Reilly Opelka, Nakashima was knocked out in the third round by Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. While some players might jump straight into the next tournament, Nakashima chose something different: a reset.

With a handful of smaller grass-court tournaments still on the calendar before the U.S. Open series kicks off, Nakashima and his team decided that what he needed most wasn’t another session of hitting backhands. It was balance.

The Demands of the ATP Tour

To understand why Nakashima’s day off matters, you need to understand how intense life on the ATP Tour really is.

Professional tennis players don’t just play four tournaments a year like the Grand Slams. Many play 25 to 30 tournaments annually, all over the world—on different continents, time zones, surfaces, and climates. One week you might be playing on clay in Rome, and the next on hard court in Montreal.

Matches can last three hours or more, and even if a player loses early, they often have to jump on a plane within 24 hours to get to the next event. That means players are constantly dealing with jet lag, sore muscles, mental pressure, and the challenge of keeping their body healthy.

It’s no wonder that injuries, burnout, and exhaustion are common—even among top players.

Let's talk about Why Recovery Isn’t “Being Lazy”

To someone on the outside, taking a day off from training might seem like slacking. But in professional sports, recovery is actually part of the plan. Experts in sports science often say rest is when the body grows stronger—not during the workout, but after it.

Here’s what proper recovery can help with:

• Muscle repair – After intense matches, muscles need time to rebuild and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries.

• Mental reset – Tennis is incredibly mental. Players often spend hours focusing, strategizing, and handling pressure. A day away helps clear the mind.

• Preventing burnout – Constant competition can drain motivation. Fun, stress-free activities like golf, swimming, or spending time with family help players come back fresh.

Tonight, we're getting to know Brandon Nakashima
Meet Brandon Nakashima: The Rising Star of American Tennis

If you follow tennis or have ever watched the U.S. Open or Wimbledon, you’ve probably heard about names like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Coco Gauff. But there’s another name you should know—Brandon Nakashima, one of the top young American men’s tennis players on the ATP Tour.

Brandon might not be a household name just yet, but he's been working his way up through the rankings with quiet confidence, strong discipline, and a game built on consistency and control. He’s not flashy like some players, but that’s part of what makes him so good—he lets his tennis speak for itself.

Early Life and Background

Brandon Nakashima was born on August 3, 2001, in San Diego, California. He started playing tennis at the age of 3 with his grandfather and quickly fell in love with the sport. By the time he was in his early teens, Brandon was one of the top junior players in the country.

He’s of Japanese and Vietnamese heritage, and family is a big part of his life. His calm personality on court is often linked to the way he was raised—focused, respectful, and humble.

Instead of turning professional right away, Brandon made a smart move: he played college tennis. In 2019, he spent one season at the University of Virginia, one of the best college tennis programs in the country. Even though he was only 17, he dominated in college matches. After just one season, he decided he was ready to go pro.

Turning Pro and Climbing the Rankings

Brandon turned professional in 2019 and didn’t waste any time making an impact. In his first full year on tour, he reached an ATP final and started playing in Grand Slam tournaments. By 2022, he was ranked inside the Top 50 in the world, which is a big deal for a player in his early 20s.

That same year, he made it to the fourth round of the U.S. Open, one of tennis’s biggest events. He also won the Next Gen ATP Finals, a tournament that features the best players under 21. Previous winners include top stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, so winning that event showed just how high Brandon's ceiling could be.

Playing Style

Brandon isn’t the loudest or most emotional player on court, but he’s one of the most focused. He’s known for his steady baseline play, meaning he does really well in long rallies from the back of the court. He hits the ball cleanly, especially with his two-handed backhand, which is one of his best weapons.

He doesn’t rely on power alone. Instead, Brandon uses smart tactics, great footwork, and a calm mindset to outplay his opponents. His game is built for hard courts, but he’s also improving on grass and clay—two very different and challenging surfaces.

Recent Results and What’s Next

In 2025, Brandon reached the third round of Wimbledon, defeating China’s Yunchaokete Bu and fellow American Reilly Opelka before falling to Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. These wins reminded fans that he’s still a strong competitor with the potential to go even further.

Now ranked in the Top 80 (as of July 2025), Brandon is focusing on the North American hard-court season, including big tournaments like the Citi Open, Cincinnati Masters, and the U.S. Open.

Why He Matters

American men’s tennis has been looking for its next big star since the days of legends like Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. While players like Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton are getting a lot of attention, Brandon Nakashima is part of that same group. He might be quieter and more low-key than some of his peers, but he’s just as talented and just as hungry to succeed.

If you’re a fan of sports where hard work and mental strength matter just as much as physical ability, Brandon is a great player to follow. He represents a new generation of tennis players who combine skill with sportsmanship—and he’s just getting started.

American tennis player Brandon Nakashima concluded a promising run at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships with a third-round loss to Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. After securing two quality victories in the early rounds, Nakashima’s campaign ended on the tournament’s first weekend, offering a mix of progress and areas for reflection as the tour heads into the summer hard-court swing.

Strong Start on Grass

Nakashima, 23, entered Wimbledon unseeded but quickly established himself as a player to watch in the first week. In his opening match, he faced Chinese up-and-comer Yunchaokete Bu, a powerful baseline player making his Wimbledon main draw debut.

Round 1
Brandon Nakashima def. Yunchaokete Bu – 6-4, 4-6, 7(7)-6(1), 6-4

The match unfolded as a tight four-setter. Nakashima secured an early edge in the first set, only to see Bu respond by raising his level in the second. The third set, a pivotal moment, was decided in a tiebreak where Nakashima played clean and aggressive points to take it 7–1. He then wrapped up the fourth set by breaking Bu at 4–4 and serving out the match with calm efficiency.

In the second round, Nakashima was drawn against fellow American Reilly Opelka, the towering 6-foot-11 former top-20 player returning to Grand Slam play after a long injury hiatus. While Opelka’s serve was as imposing as ever, Nakashima navigated the match with intelligent returning and solid baseline play.

Round 2
Brandon Nakashima def. Reilly Opelka – 7-5, 6-2, 6(6)-7(8), 6-3

Nakashima broke late in the first set and carried momentum into a dominant second set, where Opelka’s first serve percentage dipped noticeably. After narrowly dropping a tight third-set tiebreak—despite having match points—Nakashima quickly rebounded, closing out the fourth set with a break and a confident hold. The victory marked one of Nakashima’s more composed performances on grass and advanced him to the third round of Wimbledon for the second time in his career.

Third-Round Loss to Sonego

In the third round, Nakashima faced Lorenzo Sonego, the experienced Italian known for his explosive forehand, emotional energy, and affinity for grass-court play. Sonego, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021, brought intensity and tactical versatility to the match.

Despite entering the contest with momentum and confidence, Nakashima struggled to consistently counter Sonego’s pace and aggressive net approaches. The Italian dictated the majority of the key points, forcing Nakashima into defensive positions and capitalizing on second serves.

Round 3
Lorenzo Sonego def. Brandon Nakashima – [insert actual score] (Note: actual match score can be inserted if available)

Nakashima fought hard, extending several baseline rallies and generating opportunities with his backhand down the line. However, Sonego’s ability to take time away and dominate with his serve-and-volley tactics proved decisive. Nakashima showed flashes of resistance—particularly in key service games—but was ultimately unable to break through as Sonego advanced to the Round of 16.

Brandon Nakashima may not have made a deep run into the second week at Wimbledon, but his steady, composed performances in the first two rounds highlight the strengths of a player still working toward a return to the tour’s top tier. Eyes now turn to his home-soil performances, where expectations remain high.

It is July 7th and this is: Nakashima Nightly. I'm your host, Dan Burkett, bringing you the latest and greatest about ATP superstar Brandon Nakashima. Tonight, we're recapping Wimbledon. 
Ladies and gentlemen, tennis aficionados and casual Centre Court snackers alike, gather 'round for the tale of Brandon Nakashima’s charmingly clinical, statistically stunning, and unexpectedly spicy run at Wimbledon 2025—a performance that left fans grinning, commentators reaching for new adjectives, and opponents...well, mostly reaching for towels.

Let’s set the scene: it’s 2025, the grass is freshly trimmed, the strawberries are overpriced, and Brandon Nakashima strolls into Wimbledon like your calm, unbothered friend who somehow always finds parking. Ranked just outside the top-tier headlines but firmly inside the “don’t sleep on him” club, Nakashima arrived with quiet confidence, clean groundstrokes, and a serve so effective it should probably be taxed.

Now, about that serve. Forty-nine aces. That’s right. Forty-nine. That’s not a stat, that’s a flex. The man served up more aces than a Las Vegas poker table. And with only 4 double faults? That's practically monk-like discipline. Somewhere, John Isner nodded in solemn approval.

Brandon landed 72% of his first serves in—basically turning each service game into a polite but firm announcement: “Hi, I’ll be holding serve now.” And when he did? He won 77% of those points. Seventy-seven! At that point, his serve was less a weapon and more a Wimbledon-certified public utility.

But let’s not ignore his second serve—where many players flirt with disaster, Brandon was dating efficiency. He won 60% of second serve points, which is like saying, “Even on my backup plan, I’m still better than most of your first ideas.”

And it wasn’t all serve and no spice. Nakashima broke serve 10 times over the fortnight—proving that he wasn’t just a one-trick pony. He was also a sly little thief, sneaking return games when opponents least expected it, like a tennis-playing ninja in Uniqlo.

Now, while the British crowd loves their big names and royals-in-the-royal-box cameos, by the second week, Centre Court was whispering one name over tea and crumpets: Nakashima. He didn’t just win matches—he conducted them, like a symphony of clean technique, calm demeanor, and the occasional “did he just paint the line again?” shot that left everyone in a mild state of disbelief.

Opponents described him as “annoyingly consistent,” “robotically precise,” and “way too nice to beat me this badly.” Brandon, ever the gentleman, would simply give a humble nod, pack his bag, and move on like he hadn’t just dismantled someone’s Wimbledon dream with surgical forehands and a serve that could knock a pigeon off the scoreboard.

Did he win the title? Well, not quite. But he went deep. Like, “call the hotel, we’re staying another week” deep. And more importantly, he won over fans with his stoic swagger, effortless shot-making, and charmingly understated post-match interviews. Somewhere between the ace count and the unforced error avoidance, Brandon Nakashima became Wimbledon’s most polite menace.

So as the final grass clippings settled and the applause faded, one thing was clear: Brandon Nakashima didn’t just have a run at Wimbledon—he glided. And next year? Well, let’s just say...Centre Court better start reserving his spot early.

This is Nakashima Nightly - your source for all the latest news regarding ATP superstar - the one, the only, Brandon Nakashima. I'm Dan Burkett, and I'm your host for this evening's edition of Nakashima Nightly.As Wimbledon blazes forward, we congratulate fellow American Taylor Fritz in advancing over Jordan Thompson to the quarterfinals after Thompson was forced to retire due to injury. As is expected the day after exiting the tournament, there are not a lot of developments to report regarding Brandon, but as I am sure he is reflecting on his time at Wimbledon, making sure he learns the lessons he needs to from his matches in this tournament, we look forward to seeing him compete in his next tournament, which will kick off his North American hard court swing. Brandon Nakashima will kick off this leg of the season returning to play the ATP 250 Mifel Tennis Open down in Mexico at Los Cabos. While Brandon did not play this tournament last year, he did make the finals at this event back in 2021, when he was defeated by Cam Norrie 6-2, 6-2. This year, Brandon joins a field populated by the likes of Andrey Rublev, Lorenzo Musetti, Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina, and Cam Norrie, among others. While the draw for this tournament is not yet out, you know we will keep you up to date on Brandon's path to the finals in this tournament as soon as we have that information. This event kicks off July 14th, giving Brandon more than a week to get some rest after Wimbledon before he takes to the hard courts and gears up for the upcoming hard court swing. Here at Nakashima Nightly, we are certainly looking forward to see the results Brandon will earn.Thank you for tuning in - this has been Sunday, July 6th's edition of Nakashima Nightly. Please remember to like this episode, leave a comment, and subscribe to our channel to make sure you stay up to date on the goings on of ATP superstar Brandon Nakashima. Dan Burkett, with Nakashima Nightly, signing off.

A brief introduction to our new show, Nakashima Nightly and a recap of Brandon Nakashima's heartbreaking defeat at Wimbledon today at the hands of Lorenzo Sonego.

Dan is in his Midnights era. Dan discusses what's new for Michelle Collins, her patreon, and gives ideas for her promised merch selection, but then he takes on the "fat" Taylor controversy, and does a not-so-deep dive into her new album, Midnights, from Karma and Lavender Haze to Vigilante Shit. Which songs are you loving on the album? Let Dan know on Twitter @babblingdan.

#MichHeads from the old country, unite in this time of need! On Friday, October 14th, Michelle Collins announced on her SiriusXM radio show, The Michelle Collins Show, that her show will have its final week this week. This is deeply saddening, so I've taken this opportunity to use my platform to pay respects to the greatest person to ever grace a microphone. Here's to Michelle Collins!

Dan has reached a new echelon of basicity - what is that, you ask? Well, to find out, you'll need to endure tangent upon tangent, as Dan meanders down memory lane of a specific Michelle Collins interview, followed by the ins and outs of graduate school, including talking about small molecule inhibitors of metabolic enzymes #amirite. Are we unironically being ironic? Is Good Morning America superior to the Today show? Is Michelle Collins the next Jesse Palmer (NBC version, TM)? This episode wraps up with the Starbucks hack you've got to hear to believe. All this and more on this week's Dabble in Babble!