Tennis Picks

US Open: John Isner vs. Brandon Nakashima 8/30/21 Tennis Prediction

John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima
August 30, 2021 12:15 pm EDT

John Isner (19) of the USA will face countryman Brandon Nakashima in the First Round of the 2021 US Open. The match is scheduled to be played on Monday August 30th, 2021 at 12:15pm EST.

This match has the potential to be a blockbuster as Americans John Isner and Brandon Nakashima do battle for the third time this year, with a spot in the Second Round here at the 2021 US Open at stake. They played two thrilling matches earlier in the year that were both very close and that is likely again here. Will it be the veteran Isner getting the win or the young Nakashima advancing here in New York?

John Isner is ranked #22 in the world and is the 19th seed here at the 2021 US Open. The big-serving American is playing his 15th consecutive US Open, and has never missed his home Grand Slam. After a slow start to the 2021 season he has found some form, winning the Atlanta Open title and reaching the Semis of the Rogers Cup in Canada. He lost to Nakashima in the Semi-Finals of the Los Cabos Open earlier in the year, but had his revenge in the Atlanta Open Final. He should be considered the favorite here due to his extensive experience, and Isner always saves his best tennis for the big stage, especially on home soil.

Brandon Nakashima is unseeded here at the 2021 US Open and is ranked #83 on the ATP Tour. The young American has been having an outstanding season so far, and seems to have a bright future in the game. He reached the Finals in both Los Cabos and Atlanta, announcing himself on the world stage and signaling that he is ready to compete with the world’s best after years of promise as a top junior. Since his exploits earlier in the season he has plateaued a bit, disappointing in the warm-up events for the US Open. Even though he is the underdog here, he knows that he is capable of causing the upset as he did just a few months ago and will not be lacking in confidence here.

This will be the third time that the two men are squaring off this year, winning one match each. While Brandon Nakashima has been impressive this year, it is difficult to look past John Isner here. He tends to save his best tennis for when he is at home, and he will be pumped and ready to perform here. Nakashima hasn’t had much success at the big events yet, and it is unlikely that he will be able to sustain the level needed for long enough to win here. This is a very tough First Round match for the veteran American, but I do think that it is a test that he will pass, and Isner should advance to the Second Round here at the 2021 US Open in four or five tricky sets.

Andy T's Free Pick: John Isner to win in five sets

Need More? Get Premium Picks

Andy T

Andy is a former player and huge tennis fan. He has a wealth of experience on the tennis circuit and uses it to make the best picks available.

Related Articles

Back to top button