"My game is right there with all the top players" - Nakashima hopes to win maiden ATP title in 2022

Having had a breakthrough season in 2021 that saw him rise in the ATP rankings, Brandon Nakashima has new goals set for this year, which include lifting his first ATP title.

The 20-year old had a great 2021 season, where he reached two ATP finals at Las Cabos and Atlanta, in addition to winning two Challenger titles. Having reached a career high ranking of World No.62, the American is aiming to win his first ATP title this season.

"This year it’s a matter of being consistent each week," said Nakashima, who is playing the Dallas Open this week. "I'm very excited about this year. There are going to be a lot more opportunities this year playing higher-level tournaments, playing more top players and I’m just trying to keep improving my game as much as possible.

"I know my game is right there with all the top players. It’s just a matter of the little things, a few points here and there and taking all the experiences."

The NextGen star has been coached by Dusan Vemic and also recently did a stint with Emilio Sanchez Vicario. Furthermore, he stated his priorities are getting physically stronger and hitting bigger.

"It’s building up my strength in the gym," admitted Nakashima. "Just keep improving the weapons as much as possible. All the top players, their weapons are so big so I think just having those weapons and improving them, making them better and trying to improve are important."