Nakagawa Makes History: Rising Star Reaches Maiden Challenger Semi-Final in Thrilling Upset
Naoki Nakagawa Advances to First ATP Challenger Quarterfinals
Nakagawa’s Comeback Victory
World ranking 429th Naoki Nakagawa came from behind to beat top-seeded C. Eubanks of the United States 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4) to reach his first ATP Challenger quarterfinals.
The 27-year-old Nakagawa was waiting to enter the main tournament as an alternate, but due to a withdrawal from the main tournament just before the start of the tournament, he entered the main tournament as an alternate.
He defeated J. Jones (UK), ranked 460th in the world, in the first round and A. Bernard (USA), ranked 870th, in the second round to reach the quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals Match
In the quarterfinals, he faced a tough opponent, Eubanks, ranked 116th in the world. He lost the first set without being broken twice, but in the second and final set, he won after two close tiebreaks.
Eubanks’ shot went out after a rally, and the match was over. He won the comeback victory in 2 hours and 27 minutes.
Semifinals Matchup
In the semifinals, he will face former world No. 14 K. Edmund (Great Britain). Edmund defeated No. 6 seed A. Sherbai (Jordan) in straight sets in the quarterfinals.
Other Semifinalists
On the same day, Tulotta James, ranked 295th in the world, and N. Vasavareddy (USA), ranked 253rd, reached the semi-finals.
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(9:35 on September 21, 2024)