Nakashima Tops Goffin 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 to Advance to Miami Open 4th Round
Belgium’s David Goffin, who once soared to a career-high ranking of #7 in 2017, faced challenges after injuries in 2022 led him outside the top 100. With resilience, he has clawed his way back, nearing the top fifty once again, currently standing at #55 and holding six career titles.
In a surprising turn during the Miami Open’s second round, Goffin showcased his talent by defeating world #3 and four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling three-set match, improving his head-to-head against Alcaraz to 2-1.
On the other side of the court, Brandon Nakashima of the United States, currently seeded thirty-one and having achieved a career-high ranking of #32, cruised through the first round after a bye, defeating veteran Roberto Carballes Baena with a score of 6-3 in the next round.
The talented twenty-three-year-old from California, who boasts one career title, holds a 2-0 lead in their personal rivalry, having bested Goffin in straight sets last month on outdoor hard courts in Acapulco. Goffin won the toss and opted to serve.
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Nakashima started strong, firing an ace out wide and holding serve effortlessly, while Goffin encountered triple break points, resulting in a dropped service game. The American secured a consolidated break with another commanding ace.
Goffin, the former world #7, struck two aces and made his presence felt with a winning inside-in forehand, managing to get on the scoreboard. Yet, Nakashima retaliated with two more aces, pushing his lead to 4-1 thanks to a stunning crosscourt forehand.
Goffin began the sixth game with confidence, deploying an overhead smash as he held serve at love for 2-4. Meanwhile, Nakashima fired 3/5 of his first serves to hold at 5-2.
Facing a critical moment while serving to stay in the set, Goffin suffered his first double fault, yet he managed to hold for 3-5 with fantastic forehands. Nakashima continued displaying his dominance, hitting two consecutive winners to clinch the first set at love after just thirty-four minutes.
In the second set, Goffin opened strong with his second ace but then struggled, conceding his serve after consecutive forehand winners from Nakashima. The Californian consolidated the break by holding easily at 15, while Goffin’s second double fault momentarily plagued him before he managed to hold again.
Nakashima maintained his momentum, executing remarkable winners, including two aces to lead 3-1. Goffin answered back with a beautiful backhand drop volley to secure a love-hold. However, unforced errors crept into Goffin’s game as he found himself facing deuce points but managed to hold with two aces.
Opening the set with new balls, Nakashima faced challenges, succumbing to his first double fault but still managing to fire his ninth ace as well as endure some setbacks from Goffin’s determined returns before both players exchanged breaks.
Nakashima clung tightly to stay in the match, leveling at 5. Although Goffin had the lead at 6-5, Nakashima’s grit shone through again, taking the set into a tiebreaker after a stunning backhand pass.
In the final set, the players exchanged spirited rallies, but with incredible stretches on both sides, it came down to the business end. Goffin inadvertently gifted Nakashima an opportunity with errors, and the American capitalized, holding serve and taking the match with a forehand volley after 2¼ hours of intense play.
It was an impressive display by Nakashima, winning 84% of his first serve points and 48% of his second serves while effectively saving 2/4 of break points. With 13 total aces, and showcasing a balance of solid defense and offense, Nakashima effectively transitioned throughout the match.
Next up for Nakashima is a clash against former world #3 and 2017 Nitto ATP Finals champion, Grigor Dimitrov. The 33-year-old, seeded 14, is coming off a three-set victory over the 22nd seed, Karen Khachanov.
With both players having split their previous encounters, this next match promises to be a thrilling showdown, especially as Nakashima enjoys the home crowd advantage while Dimitrov receives a warm welcome at Hardrock Stadium.
