Brandon Nakashima has been in solid form recently, which might give him an edge against Andrey Rublev, who has been struggling. After his recent win over Tommy Paul, Nakashima aims to make another impact at the National Bank Open in Montreal. Currently, Nakashima holds a 12-6 record in his last 18 matches and is 42-22 across ATP and Challenger events in 2024. In contrast, Rublev is 5-5 in his last 10 matches and has been inconsistent.
While it’s difficult to predict a win for Nakashima straight away, he could potentially force a decisive third set.
Rublev has had issues with his returning game this season, with his break percentage falling to 18.3%, down from 24.7% last year. This drop in form makes him vulnerable. Nakashima, with a solid hold percentage of 88.5%, is likely to capitalize on this vulnerability and stay competitive in the match.
Nakashima is known for his reliable baseline play and straightforward strategy, focusing on accuracy and looking for opportunities to hit winners. He remains calm under pressure, which could be an advantage against Rublev, who has struggled with frustration and hot-headedness in recent times.
Though Rublev, when at his best, is a formidable opponent, Nakashima’s current form and Rublev’s recent struggles suggest a competitive match. While Nakashima may not be at Rublev’s level overall, he has a good chance of making this match close and potentially winning.
**Pick: Nakashima +1.5 Sets (-160)**
