Indian Wells 2023: John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | BNP Paribas Open
Match details
Fixture: John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima
Tournament: BNP Paribas Open
Round: First round (Round of 128)
Venue: Indian Wells, California, USA
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $8,800,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel/TC Plus | UK - Amazon Prime Video
John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima preview
John Isner and Brandon Nakashima will lock horns in an all-American first-round clash at the BNP Paribas Open.
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Isner started the year with a two-match losing streak Down Under. The 37-year-old then made a remarkable comeback at the ATP 250 event at home in Dallas, where he reached the final. The towering American rained down 44 aces and held four match points in the summit clash but couldn't hold off Yibing Wu, who went on to claim his maiden title.
Isner failed to quickly recover from that setback and went down against compatriot Taylor Fritz in the first round of the Mexican Open thereafter. The former World No. 8 will hope to bounce back at the Indian Wells Masters, having reached the final in 2012.
One of the fastest-rising stars on the men's tour, 21-year-old Brandon Nakashima won his maiden title in San Diego last year. He backed it up with the Next Gen ATP Finals title to end the 2022 season on a strong note. The triumph propelled Nakashima to a career-high No. 43 in the world rankings.
The youngster has, however, failed to replicate those heroics so far this season. He has managed to win just one match across three tournaments in 2023.
The solitary victory came in the first round at Acapulco against Daniel Altmaier last week. Nakashima's joy was short-lived as he was walloped 6-2, 6-0 by Mackenzie McDonald in the very next round.
Suffice to say, Nakashima has a challenge on his hands now that he heads to the first ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season.
John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima head-to-head
Nakashima has a 2-1 lead over Isner in their head-to-head. All three of their meetings so far have come in 2021.
Nakashima triumphed in straight sets in their first-ever showdown in Los Cabos. Isner turned the tables on Nakashima in their next meeting in the Atlanta final.
Nakashima came storming back a couple of weeks later at the US Open with a 7-6(7), 7-6(6), 6-3 victory.
John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima odds
(Odds sourced from oddschecker.com)
John Isner vs Brandon Nakashima prediction
Both Isner and Nakashima have struggled this year, but the younger American has had a disastrous season so far, to say the least. Nakashima's confidence must be at an all-time low after the kind of start he has had.
Isner, on the other hand, did give us glimpses of his champion self during his dazzling week in Dallas. His serve was on point all week and if he can come up with such a terrific serving display again, he can level his head-to-head with Nakashima.
That said, the 21-year-old does possess excellent speed and athleticism and could put Isner in a spot of bother if he finds the lines consistently. However, it remains to be seen how long Nakashima can keep applying the pressure. Given that he has looked a pale shadow of himself this year, he could hand Isner chances on a platter to work his way back into the match.
Pick: Isner to win in three sets.