Welcome back, tennis fans! It is July 10th, this is Nakashima Nightly, and I'm Dan Burkett, your lead Brandon Nakashima correspondent. Before we begin with our usual news report regarding superstar Brandon Nakashima, I want to first extend a heartfelt congratulations to Amanda Anisimova for defeating Sabalenka to earn her spot in this year's Wimbledon final. Truly, an amazing run she's been having, and we hope to see her take the title on Saturday. Now, let's get to it:
While most professional athletes spend their seasons traveling, training, and competing non-stop, American tennis player Brandon Nakashima chose a different route today. Instead of heading straight back to the practice courts after his Wimbledon run, Nakashima took an unorthodox detour in his grass-court season—with a leisurely round of golf alongside his brother.
The 23-year-old, known for his calm and composed presence on the tennis court, decided to take a break not with more drills or gym time—but with fresh air, soft fairways, and the soft thwack of a golf ball off a tee. It wasn’t about training his swing; it was about recharging his mind and body—something more and more top athletes are realizing is just as important as physical workouts.
So why would a professional tennis player swap his high-stakes routine for a quiet morning on the green?
Because on the ATP Tour, rest is part of the grind.
Brandon Nakashima may not always be in the spotlight like some of his louder or flashier tennis peers, but that’s exactly what makes him so interesting. He lets his tennis do the talking—and this season, it’s said plenty.
After winning two tough matches at Wimbledon, including a four-set victory over fellow American Reilly Opelka, Nakashima was knocked out in the third round by Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. While some players might jump straight into the next tournament, Nakashima chose something different: a reset.
With a handful of smaller grass-court tournaments still on the calendar before the U.S. Open series kicks off, Nakashima and his team decided that what he needed most wasn’t another session of hitting backhands. It was balance.
The Demands of the ATP Tour
To understand why Nakashima’s day off matters, you need to understand how intense life on the ATP Tour really is.
Professional tennis players don’t just play four tournaments a year like the Grand Slams. Many play 25 to 30 tournaments annually, all over the world—on different continents, time zones, surfaces, and climates. One week you might be playing on clay in Rome, and the next on hard court in Montreal.
Matches can last three hours or more, and even if a player loses early, they often have to jump on a plane within 24 hours to get to the next event. That means players are constantly dealing with jet lag, sore muscles, mental pressure, and the challenge of keeping their body healthy.
It’s no wonder that injuries, burnout, and exhaustion are common—even among top players.
Let's talk about Why Recovery Isn’t “Being Lazy”
To someone on the outside, taking a day off from training might seem like slacking. But in professional sports, recovery is actually part of the plan. Experts in sports science often say rest is when the body grows stronger—not during the workout, but after it.
Here’s what proper recovery can help with:
Muscle repair – After intense matches, muscles need time to rebuild and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries.
Mental reset – Tennis is incredibly mental. Players often spend hours focusing, strategizing, and handling pressure. A day away helps clear the mind.
Preventing burnout – Constant competition can drain motivation. Fun, stress-free activities like golf, swimming, or spending time with family help players come back fresh.