MUBADALA DC OPEN

July 31, 2026

Brandon Nakashima

Press Conference

B. NAKASHIMA/A. De Minaur

7-6, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations. You're into the semis. Do you want to talk about today's match?

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: Yeah, super happy with the match today. It was pretty physical out there. So, yeah, I was happy to close it out in two sets. Yeah, looking forward to the next one.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Brandon, you were able to save 6 of 7 break opportunities. What was the biggest key to backing down in those situations and saving those opportunities?

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: Yeah, just kind of trusting myself in those moments. I knew that if I were to get a good first serve, then I would be able to be aggressive on those points. You know, if he is able to win, win those points or convert them, then it's too good.

Yeah, just trying to get the first serve in play and try to be aggressive off that first ball.

Q. You have loftier goals and work to be done this weekend, but semifinal here. That's two semis in the last three tournaments I think dating back to Queen's. What does this mean to be here in the final four at this event?

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: Yeah, it feels great. Any time when you get to have a deep run at one of these U.S. tournaments, it's always a good feeling. Especially playing in front of the U.S. crowd and especially here, all the UVA fans.

So, yeah, super happy that I'm in the semis.

Q. Who was in your box? Do you know those people personally, or they were just UVA fans you referenced at the end of your match?

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: No, I know all those guys. Most of them were on the UVA team when I played, so it's nice to have them out there, and it's great to have all those relationships.

Q. I just want to ask you related to working out with Wayne Ferreira. You mentioned the other day that it helped a little bit maybe with the mentality or trying to work on the mentality. How would you describe the mentality with Wayne and what he's trying to implement with you?

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: Yeah, I mean, he's definitely given me a lot of confidence that, one, first of all, that I'm a very, very talented player, that I definitely belong at the highest in our sport. Yeah, it just helps a lot, especially playing those top-10 guys, being able to close out those moments.

Even before, I would have a few good wins here and there, but maybe against the top players I would lose most of those matches. Yeah, the mentality and everything, it definitely helps with those wins.

Q. I'm curious, with the UVA connection, what do you sort of make of the general state of college tennis nowadays? There's been some conversation about a lot of older guys signing up for the first time who have been playing on the challenger level and stuff and different debates about percentage of international players and stuff. I'm curious just what you make of that landscape as someone who has been through it.

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: Yeah, I've always said that, one, that college is always a great stepping platform before turning pro, no matter how good your level is. Nowadays you see a lot of good college players that are making breakthroughs on the tour pretty quickly, I would say.

So the college level is definitely very high. All those matches are very competitive, and it definitely helps prepare you for the life on tour, as well.

Q. Just also on your next round you play some fellow Californian in either Fritz or Michelsen. Thoughts on either of them or each of them, one by one.

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: Yeah, it's going to be another tough match, for sure. Both of them have been playing some good tennis the last few months. I know both of them really well. We've practice a lot together, both of them. So, yeah, it's going to be an exciting match.

Q. I just wanted to ask you a general question about coaching in the game. It's not universal across the board, but oftentimes when a new coach comes on board, there is a little spike, men's or women's players. Do you have a theory why that might be, like, an immediate jump?

BRANDON NAKASHIMA: I don't know. I mean, I've seen it kind of go both ways. Obviously it's sometimes nice to have a new voice and, like you said, kind of give you that spark a little bit.

But at the same time, I've seen certain situations where it hasn't worked out as well, and it kind of takes a little bit of time to get to know that person and get some results together.

Yeah, we're just kind of taking it day by day. Obviously happy with the results so far.

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