Nakashima gets it done at NBO, makes first Masters quarterfinal

After going 0-for-5 in the round of 16 at Masters 1000 events, the Californian finally reached his first quarterfinal by beating Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (4), 5-7, 7-5 in a rain affected thriller at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. 

He overcame losing one of the points of the tournament in the third set, when the towering Rinderknech stayed alive in a rally before finishing with an incredible lob winner. 

It was a huge, game, too. 

That point gave the Frenchman a second break point at 2-3 but how did Nakashima reply? Just like on the first one, he delivered an excellent serve. 

With the tension building, rain forced the players off at 4-4, for close to two hours. 

READ: Darderi makes first Masters hard court quarterfinal at NBO

When they returned, Rinderknech ripped serves for 5-4. Nakashima held firm at 4-5, 30-all, then broke. 

“Coming out after the (rain) break, I knew I had to get firing from the beginning because it’s going to happen pretty quick,” said Nakashima. “I just tried to stay focused and when I had the opportunities, I just tried to go for it.” 

What Rinderknech is noted for is his serve, and he duly produced 17 aces. Nakashima, the tournament’s No. 28 seed, wasn't far behind, with 16. They both hit more winners than unforced errors and finished points at the net, too, making for an entertaining clash. 

Rinderknech — a Masters finalist in Shanghai last year — might rue the first set. He led by a break twice, including at 5-4, and was up 3-1 in the tiebreaker. 

Nakashima’s quarterfinal opponent is Italy’s Luciano Darderi, who beat Nuno Borges in three sets earlier in the day. 

Photo: Sarah-Jäde Champagne/Tennis Canada