Andrey Rublev vs Brandon Nakashima Prediction & Betting Tips - San Diego, USA, Qualifying

Prediction published on 29/09/2021, 08:12  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 29/09/2021 at 09:15 in Tennis Predictions

Andrey Rublev is the top seed for the San Diego Open. The world number five takes on unseeded Brandon Nakashima, who is currently ranked 83rd in the world. Rublev has won one singles title this year and that was back in March when victorious in Rotterdam. Since then, he has lost in three finals and three semi-finals. Recent form has seen him reach the final of the Cincinnati Masters (his second Masters final of the year) but he could only make the last 32 at the US Open. Last week he beat Diego Schwartzmann in the Laver Cup and could meet the Argentinian again in the next round of this tournament.

Brandon Nakashima is at a career high in the rankings and is up to 79th in the live rankings. The second half of 2021 has proved to be highly successful for the American, July saw him lose in the final of the Los Cabos tournament to Cameron Norrie. He followed that up with another final in Atalanta, where he was beaten by John Isner (who he beat in Los Cabos) but defeated Milos Raonic on his way to that title decider. Form has dipped a little since then and he recently lost to the then world number 138 Alex Molcan in the second round of the US Open. This week has seen him beat Fabio Fognini in three sets, after losing the first one on a tie-break. This is his first meeting with Rublev and the top seed can get the win.