Despite dropping the opening set, Zverev displayed impressive tennis skills to swiftly win the remaining three sets and secure a highly anticipated match against local favorite Taylor Fritz in the upcoming round.
Zverev continued his strong serving performance, with a 71 percent first serve rate and an 88 percent win rate on first serve points, maintaining his consistent form throughout 2024. His net play was also exceptional, winning 20 out of 25 points at the net.
Reflecting on the match, Zverev admitted, “I was too defensive in the beginning, and Brandon took advantage of it. He played a great set. I had to elevate my game, be more aggressive, and I’m glad I did. I feel good about my performance today and excited to progress to the quarter-finals.”
Unfortunately for Nakashima, the loss after a strong start in the first set will surely be disappointing, as he struggled to maintain the same intensity and aggression that led to his initial success against Zverev.
Zverev anticipates rematch with Fritz
Zverev and Fritz are set to face each other for the 10th time in the quarter-finals, with their most recent encounter at Wimbledon resulting in a victory for Fritz in a fifth set, making the head-to-head record 5-4 in Zverev’s favor.
Looking ahead to the rematch, Zverev commented, “I’m healthy and ready for a tough match against Taylor. He always brings his best, and I expect nothing less this time. It will be an entertaining match, for sure.”
Zverev also addressed his aspirations of winning the US Open, acknowledging his previous disappointments in Grand Slam finals, stating, “Just winning one more set than before. I’m giving my best and hoping that it will eventually pay off in my career.”
In the earlier rounds, Zverev secured victories against Maximilian Marterer, Alexandre Muller, and Tomas Martin Etcheverry, while Nakashima defeated Holger Rune, Arthur Cazaux, and Lorenzo Musetti.
Other results from the last 16 stage at the New York Grand Slam tournament included matches between Jannik Sinner and Tommy Paul, Alex De Minaur and Jordan Thompson, Nuno Borges and Daniil Medvedev, Jack Draper and Tomas Machac, Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin, Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud, as well as Grigor Dimitrov and Andrey Rublev.