Brandon Nakashima vs Pavel Kotov Prediction & Betting Tips - US Open

Prediction published on 29/08/2022, 09:08  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 30/08/2022 at 03:00

Brandon Nakashima looks to build on his successful run at Wimbledon this year. He takes on the qualifier Pavel Kotov in the first round of the US Open and the winner is up against either 17th seeded Grigor Dinitrov or Steve Johnson in round two. Nakashima is the world number 69 but was a career high 49th in July. The American reached the last 16 at Wimbledon and since then has made it to the quarter finals in Atlanta and Los Cabos, making it five last eight appearances this year.  He's lost in his first match in the last two tournaments but on both occasions was beaten by a top 40 player. Nakashima is playing the main draw of the US Open for the thrid time, his previous two apperances both saw him lose in the second round.

Pavel Kotov is the world number 113 and was the 12th seed in the qualifying rounds. He had to win three matches to get into the main dfaw and did so without losing a set. He beat 19th seeded Francisco Verdasco in the final qualifying round. This is only his second Grand Slam main draw appearance. He got to the first round of the French Open this year, losing to Botic van de Zandschlup. Kotov recently won a Challenger Tour tournament in San Marino but that was on clay which is his best surface. He has shown ability on hard courts, winning a Challenger Tour event in Italy this year but that's a lower level than this US Open. Back Nakashima to get the win.