Big-serving top-20 American sets his sights on ASB Classic

One of the biggest servers in tennis, American Brandon Nakashima, is bringing his booming game to the 2027 ASB Classic in Auckland.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding year which has seen him climb firmly inside the world’s top-20 players. In the process he has established himself as a leader in a strong new generation of American tennis players.

Nakashima’s rise has accelerated during this year’s hard-court season, on the back of his monster serve, aggressive baseline game and a successful new coaching partnership with former world top-10 player Wayne Ferreira. 

In an impressive 2026 season, Nakashima reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Montreal, finishing runner-up to Ben Shelton, before backing that up with a semifinal appearance at the Cincinnati Masters.

He also reached the semifinals in Acapulco, Queen’s and Washington, after starting the year as runner-up to former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in Brisbane.

Born in San Diego, Nakashima first broke into the top-50 rankings five years ago and has long been regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation. This season he has taken another significant step forward, pushing into the top 20.

Blessed with a powerful serve and a forehand that drives through the court, the American has added a more aggressive dimension to his game, increasingly looking to move forward and finish points at the net.

“It’s definitely something we’ve been trying to work on and implement in the matches more and more,” said Nakashima. “Even if I lose some points here and there, just making the effort of coming forward and trying to finish points at the net is good for my game.”

His serve has become a significant go-to when most needed.

“I felt, especially in the tight matches, my serve definitely helped me get out of those pressure situations. In general, I’ve always felt like my serve is one of my biggest weapons.”

Nakashima believes this significant advance has been building for some time.

“I've always felt that I can compete with the best players in the world, and it was only a matter of time where I would kind of have this breakthrough,” he said. “I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and really enjoy these moments because it's definitely an exciting time.”

It’s no coincidence that Nakashima’s rise has been synced perfectly with the input from Wayne Ferreira, a former world No.6, who previously guided American Frances Tiafoe inside the world’s top 10.

“Having Wayne as a part of the team now, it's been great so far,” said Nakashima. “He's definitely brought a lot of value to the team and to my game as well.

“Our personalities match up pretty well. He's a pretty calm, laid-back kind of guy, and I think that's me. He's tried to help me play a little bit more aggressively.”

ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said that he is thrilled to have attracted Nakashima to Auckland.

“Brandon is one of the most impressive prospects in tennis, and it is incredibly exciting that he has chosen to come to the ASB Classic,” said Lamperin.“He has had an outstanding season, particularly through the North American hard-court swing, and I think his game will be extremely well suited to the conditions in Auckland.

“With our defending champion Jakub Mensik and now Nakashima, we are continuing to strengthen the depth of what promises to be an exciting field.” 

The ATP Men’s ASB Classic from 11-16 January follows the WTA Women’s ASB Classic from 4 to10 January. both at the Manuka Doctor Arena in downtown Auckland and supported by Auckland Council Events.