Former #NextGenATP champs Nakashima, Medjedovic qualify for Madrid

@Mutua Madrid Open | @atptour

Brandon Nakashima sealed his spot in the Mutua Madrid Open main draw for the first time on Tuesday when he defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli 7-6(4), 7-6(6).

The 22-year-old American, who lifted the 2022 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF trophy, won 86 per cent (49/57) of his first-serve points and saved the one break point he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats, to advance after two hours and 19 minutes.

Nakashima holds a 4-2 tour-level record on clay this year after reaching the quarter-finals in Houston and the third round in Barcelona.

Nakashima’s successor as Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF champion, Hamad Medjedovic, also sealed his spot in the main draw. The Serbian, who won the season-ending trophy in Jeddah last December, overcame Francisco Comesana 6-4, 6-1 to qualify on his maiden appearance at Madrid's Caja Magica.

Former two-time finalist Dominic Thiem was unable to qualify after Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis defeated the Austrian 6-1, 6-3. Thiem advanced to the title match in Madrid in 2017 and 2018.

Kokkinakis, currently No. 93 in the PIF ATP Rankings, won an ATP Challenger Tour title on clay in America earlier this month.

Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas will make his 11th main draw appearance in Madrid after he beat former World No. 9 Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Ramos-Vinolas has won four tour-level trophies on clay.

Spaniard Pablo Llamas Ruiz also advanced, defeating Federico Coria 7-5, 7-5, while Corentin Moutet downed Abdullah Shelbayh 6-2, 6-2. American Aleksandar Kovacevic beat Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-2 and Lukas Klein moved past Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-3, 6-3.

Thiago Monteiro and Facundo Bagnis were other winners on Tuesday. Monteiro clawed past Radu Albot 7-6(6), 1-6, 6-4 and Bagnis beat Giulio Zeppieri 6-4, 6-4.