Nakashima avenges De Minaur in Washington
Brandon Nakashima exacted a measure of revenge on Australia's Alex de Minaur at the Washington Open, ousting the defending champion with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win in one hour and 55 minutes to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
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De Minaur beat Nakashima in straight sets in the quarter-finals en route to the ATP 500 titlelast year, but the Australian couldn't get past the American this time around.
Nakashima saved six of the seven break points he faced to help him on his way and the home favourite now leads De Minaur 3-1 in their head-to-head series, having also beaten De Minaur less than two months ago at Queen’s Club.
De Minaur missed a forehand approach shot long at 4-4 in the second set to hand Nakashima a crucial break of serve.
De Minaur looked set to break straight back in the subsequent game, but the No.1 seed sent a forehand long on break point to allow Nakashima to take the victory.
