Twelves months ago, Brandon Nakashima posted his best result at a major when he advanced to the fourth round at Wimbledon. Ahead of his third appearance at The Championships, the 21-year-old caught up with ATPTour.com to discuss his memories from last year, his favourite Wimbledon traditions and why the grass-court Slam is so special to him.
What is your first memory of watching Wimbledon?
My first memory of watching Wimbledon would be when I was playing a junior tournament, and it was actually during the final, I think it was the 2008 final between Federer and Nadal. I was playing a junior tournament close to home and I remember watching that match on TV and being very excited to be able to watch. It was amazing, an all-time classic.
What are your first memories of playing Wimbledon both as a junior and Tour player and what were your early thoughts about the aura of the venue?
The first time I went to Wimbledon was in the juniors in 2018. It was such a pleasure just to be there to be able to play on those courts. I was just super excited every time I got to go there and play and it was just a such a special experience for a young junior to be around the grounds, see how it is, see all the pro players playing there.
It was really amazing to see it at a young age. It was a little bit different, I would say coming back as a pro in 2021. Just as special, but I was a little bit more used to it. I knew kind of where everything was. But obviously playing in the pros is different, the format and the atmosphere a little bit. It was super exciting. I have nothing but good memories there.
What is the greatest moment you have had at Wimbledon?
My greatest moment would probably be stepping out on Centre Court in the fourth round last year. I didn’t really know what to expect too much and stepping out on such a prestigious court like that, it was a super special feeling. Obviously I was nervous a little bit, but I was super excited and just tried to take it all in. You’re at the biggest stage in professional tennis.
What makes the event so special for you?
I think it’s just the history, all the fans. It’s just such a prestigious place and tournament. It’s from right when you step into the grounds as a fan or as a player, you just feel this sort of atmosphere that you don’t really get anywhere else or any other tournament.
What is your favourite Wimbledon tradition and why?
I would say my favourite tradition would probably be the all-white. I always like it when there’s some sort of dress code in some tournaments. I think the white looks very clean. It’s just special. No other tournament like that, no other dress code like that. I would say that’s my favourite tradition for sure.
What is your favourite thing about playing on grass?
I like the surface a lot. I’d say the season is a little bit short. It takes a little bit time to get used to it but I like it. I would say my favourite part about it is the variety of your game that you have to have to try and play. There is just a bunch of different dimensions to it, like any other surface, but it is different and sometimes you have got to get a little bit out of your comfort zone to do well.
Outside of the main show courts, do you have a favourite court out on the grounds?
Last year I won two matches on Court 12, which is pretty nice. That court was pretty cool. Pretty big stands and a good atmosphere, full stadium. I would say that that court is pretty special to me.
Source Tennis – ATP World Tour
