Brandon Nakashima vs Alexander Zverev Prediction: Alexander Zverev will prevail

The match between Brandon Nakashima and Alexander Zverev in the Round of 16 at the US Open on September 1st has all the makings of a quite intriguing clash in styles and experience.

Brandon Nakashima approaches this match in fantastic form after convincing wins over Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti. Recent results are indicative of growing confidence and poise under pressure, particularly on home soil. He has won 8 of his last 10 matches, proving to be consistent and resilient, while his tactical acumen increases with each outing. Nakashima is very solid from the baseline, especially proficiently effecting a counterpunch and forcing errors out of opponents.

First serve percentage and return game will be huge in Nakashima's camp. Against a heavy server like Zverev, Nakashima needs to ensure he gets a high percentage of first serves in and tries to milk pressure on Zverev's second serve. Return game got a bit better, and he would need to engage it well enough to take away the threat of Zverev's serve and domination of baseline rallies.

Nakashima is a solid baseliner and usually has a strong forehand and backhand. Still, it is his variations of pace and angles that will come in important. He will want to make the rallies extended ones to make Zverev engage in longer exchanges, thereby hopefully committing some errors.

Nakashima will need to be strong-minded, especially when he is behind, since Zverev often used early leads in taking over in a set. The American needs to stay focused, immediately taking the chances that come his way.

Alexander Zverev is a seasoned top-level competitor. After a difficult 2023 season, he's been back to the consistent powers that have kept him in the top 10. His run through the US Open has been imposing as he has been reeling off victories with relative ease, though he has dropped sets, which shows that though he is strong, maybe there might be some kind of vulnerability to his game.

Zverev's serve is a big weapon, and he will look forward to dominating with it. First serve percentage will be huge for him since Nakashima is pretty decent on return games. In rallies, the baseline rallies also go in favor of Zverev because of his capability to generate power from both wings, especially his two-handed backhand.

Zverev is likely to go with an aggressive attitude, trying to hijack the game with deep, forceful groundstrokes, often looking to keep Nakashima on the back foot and controlling the court with his physicality.

The experience of playing in big matches- that is something Zverev has, and this is going to be his plus. He has been in these situations many times before and knows how to manage the pressure.

While Brandon Nakashima is beaming with confidence after his wins over the top-ranked opponents, the combination of experience, power, and tactical nous makes Zverev a favorite in this matchup. But Nakashima does have all the tools to test Zverev, especially if he manages to extend the rallies and sustains a high level of play. However, Zverev's serve and experience in handling high-stakes matches should see him through, though Nakashima could well snatch a set if he can produce his best tennis.

Expect a gritty four-set win from Zverev, with Nakashima taking perhaps one of the early sets before Zverev asserts his newfound dominance.

• Alexander Zverev Win and Over 3.5 Sets at 2.22 Odds
• Total Sets 4 at 2.75 Odds
• Correct Score 1:3 at 3.50 Odds