MY ACCOUNT
Jack Draper was no match for Brandon Nakashima, who maintained his perfect record at the ATP Next Gen Finals to set up a showdown with Jiri Lehecka.
Nakashima won all of his group matches in Milan and, having lost at the semi-final stage in 2021, he made no mistake this time around with a 4-6 (8-6) 1-4 4-2 4-3 (7-5) victory.
The 21-year-old world number 49 controlled much of Friday’s second semi-final, though he did have to rally from 5-2 down in the final set tie-break.
Nakashima’s reward for beating Britain’s Draper is a meeting with Lehecka, who fell foul of the American in straight sets in the group stage.
Lehecka came through in second place in his pool and the Czech turned in a dominant display against Dominic Stricker in the first semi-final, winning 4-1 4-3 (7-4) 2-4 4-1.
Seeded fifth, one behind Nakashima, Lehecka has reached his first ATP Tour-level final.
“Today I think everything went the way I wanted,” Lehecka said. “Me and my team spoke about this match yesterday and today and the plan was just to relax on the court and enjoy it as much as I can.
“Dominic was playing incredible here, so I am very happy with my win.”
