Twelve 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.
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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.
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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.