Brandon Nakashima Seeks Acapulco Title, Faces Tough Path

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brandon Nakashima is two wins away from capturing the Abierto Mexicano Telcel title in Acapulco. To reach the final, Nakashima will likely need to defeat Frances Tiafoe, whom he trails 1-6 in their head-to-head matchups. If he advances, Nakashima could face Flavio Cobolli, who he leads 1-0 in their previous meetings.

Why it matters

Nakashima, a rising American talent, is seeking his first ATP title of the 2026 season. A victory in Acapulco would be a significant boost to his ranking and confidence as he continues to establish himself among the top players on tour.

The details

Nakashima has defeated Elias Ymer, Patrick Kypson, and Valentin Vacherot to reach the semifinals. In the final four, he is projected to face Tiafoe, who holds a 9-4 record so far in 2026. Tiafoe won their most recent matchup in 2025. If Nakashima advances, he could meet Cobolli, who reached the semifinals in Delray Beach earlier this season.

• Nakashima defeated Ymer 6-3 6-4 in the quarterfinals on February 25.
• Nakashima defeated Kypson 6-4 6-4 in the third round on February 23.
• Nakashima defeated Vacherot 2-6 6-2 6-3 in the second round on February 21.

What’s next

The winner of the Nakashima-Tiafoe semifinal match will advance to the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Flavio Cobolli and Miomir Kecmanovic.