ATP Tour

Nakashima turns to coach Ferreira: 'I have learned a lot from him'

Brandon Nakashima is through to the semi-finals at the HSBC Championships without dropping a set, and there’s been a noticeable new presence in his courtside box this week.

Coach Wayne Ferreira has joined Nakashima’s team, with the pair set to work together through the remainder of the season. Judging by their first week together, the partnership has made an immediate impact.

“This week I actually started with Wayne Ferreira,” Nakashima said in his press conference on Friday following his win against World No. 6 Alex de Minaur. “This is the first week we have spent together. It's been working out pretty well.

“He's a great guy. Had an amazing career. It's nice to have his experience and his expertise in the corner.”

Ferreira arrives with an impressive coaching résumé to match his playing pedigree. The former World No. 6 previously helped guide Frances Tiafoe to two ATP Tour titles and a breakthrough into the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings. He has also worked with Alexei Popyrin.

While the partnership is only just beginning, Nakashima said the early dynamic has been positive.

“It's still kind of the beginning stages right now, so we're still getting to know each other, getting a feel for each other, but he's been great so far,” Nakashima added when asked about the early stages of the partnership. “I have definitely learned a lot from him. I appreciate him being here.

“Right now, we're planning to work together till the end of the year to see how it goes. Hopefully we'll continue to have success together.”

Ferreira won 15 tour-level trophies and captured the crown at the Queen’s Club in 1992. Nakashima, an ATP Tour champion in San Diego in 2022, will hope to follow in the South African’s footsteps and lift his second tour-level trophy this weekend in west London.