Brandon Nakashima caused a major upset at the Barcelona Open by defeating Andrey Rublev in the first round with a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) victory on Tuesday. Despite being ranked 87th, the American managed to outplay the world No 8, who struggled with five double faults and only created one break point opportunity throughout the match.
In the closely contested first set, Nakashima secured a crucial break in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead before holding his serve to claim the set. Despite facing a break point while serving for the set, he managed to maintain his composure and close it out successfully.
Although Rublev fought hard to stay in the match, saving four break points in the second set, he ultimately succumbed to defeat in the tie-break after making an error on a backhand shot. Frustrated by the loss, the Russian vented his emotions by smashing his racket on the ground multiple times before leaving the court in disappointment.
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