Pick details
Barcelona Open Prediction: Arthur Fils vs Brandon Nakashima
07:00 AM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Arthur Fils / Brandon Nakashima (TBC)
Arthur Fils vs Brandon Nakashima Preview
Arthur Fils is coming off a three-set comeback victory over countryman Terence Atmane. The match took 33 games to decide. Fils recovered from a set down to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 in two and a half hours. Fils trailed by a break in the final set and saved two match points in the deciding tiebreak to prevail in an epic match.In the victory, Fils hit 32 winners and 45 unforced errors. That included 2 aces and 3 double faults. Fils landed 64% of first serves in play and won 73% of first serve points (49/67). Fils won 59% of second serve points (22/37) and saved six of eight break points. Fils has reached at least the quarterfinals in his two previous appearances in Barcelona, and was a semifinalist last year when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
Brandon Nakashima beat Juan Manuel Cerundolo in straight sets to kick off the tournament in Barcelona. The match took 21 games to decide and lasted an hour and 43 minutes. Nakashima earned a late break in the first set which he was able to serve out 6-3. At the start of the second set, Nakashima broke serve, but quickly surrendered that advantage.
Just when it looked like the second set was heading to a tiebreak, Nakashima built a 40-0 lead on Cerundolo’s serve and broke. He needed three match points in the next game to wrap up victory. Nakashima hit 25 winners and 23 unforced errors in the match. That included 6 aces and he did not account for any double faults. Nakashima landed 63% of first serves in play and won 69% of first serve points (31/45). Nakashima won 62% of second serve points (16/26) and saved one of two break points in the match.
Arthur Fils vs Brandon Nakashima Head-To-Head
Fils and Nakashima have met three times. Nakashima leads the head-to-head 2-1. Nakashima won their last meeting at the 2024 Cincinnati Open in straight sets.Arthur Fils vs Brandon Nakashima Prediction
Fils produced another escape in the first round as he battled from the brink. It’s the second time this season he’s saved match points and went on to win the match. He’s been exciting player to watch this season. He’s full of energy and his matches have been dramatic. This could follow suit as Nakashima is one of the hardest workers on tour and has caused Fils problems in the past. On clay, I’d lean toward Fils, whose spinning forehand is extremely effective.
Nur Said's Pick: Arthur Fils in three sets
