Nakashima and De Jong collide in a first-round clash at the 2025 US Open, with No. 30 seed Brandon Nakashima taking on Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong.
Nakashima has had a steady if not always breakthrough year, highlighted by semifinal runs in Acapulco and Houston and quarterfinal appearances in Delray Beach, the Bordeaux Challenger, Stuttgart, Queen’s, and Washington. His recent form includes a second-round exit at Cincinnati to Alexander Zverev. The American has been one of the year’s most reliable servers, compiling a high-volume ace total and strong first-serve performance, along with solid success on the break opportunities he creates.
De Jong, 25, has been quietly climbing the rankings, peaking at No. 79 and currently sitting around No. 83. He reached the Nordea Open final earlier in the year, falling to Luciano Darderi, and has produced a string of solid results on the Challenger circuit, with a Murcia final and semi-finals in Occitanie and Girona, plus multiple quarterfinal appearances, including Cancun. His numbers point to a well-rounded game, featuring a healthy ace count, strong first-serve percentage, and a solid break-point conversion rate across numerous opportunities.
This will be their first meeting on the ATP Tour, as Nakashima and De Jong have no head-to-head history to draw on for this matchup.
Outlook and keys to the match: Nakashima’s serve and composure under pressure on big stages should give him the edge, but De Jong’s rising form and confident play can pose problems if the Dutchman can exploit any quiet patches. Expect a battle behind solid serving from both players, with Nakashima aiming to use his big-game experience to advance in straight sets, while De Jong looks to impose variety and grind through tough service games.
Odds and betting context: Nakashima is favored in the betting markets, reflecting his seeding and ATP-level experience, with De Jong viewed as a live underdog capable of pushing the match deeper if he builds momentum early.
What this means for the tournament: A strong performance in the opening round could set a positive tone for Nakashima as he pursues a deep run at Flushing Meadows, while De Jong continues to push his ascent, showcasing the depth of rising talent on the men’s tour.
Summary: A high-stakes opening-round contest that pits Nakashima’s steadiness against De Jong’s continued rise. A favorable start for Nakashima could reinforce his role as a consistent threat on hard courts, while a standout performance from De Jong would reinforce his growing status as a dangerous contender. Positive momentum for either player would bode well for their prospects in the tournament’s early rounds.