Nakashima claims UTS Rio title in dominant final, defeats 17-year old prospect Guto Miguel 3-0

Brandon Nakashima captured the UTS Rio presented by XP championship Saturday, sweeping Guto Miguel 3-0 (15-14, 17-14, 15-13) to join an exclusive class of first-time UTS winners – a feat previously achieved by Jack Draper (London 2023), Tomas Machac (Acapulco 2025), and Francisco Cerundolo (Hong Kong 2025).

The 40-minute Final showcased Nakashima’s clinical consistency against the 17-year-old Brazilian phenom. All three quarters remained tight, yet Nakashima never trailed, converting 2 quarter points while maintaining 60% return efficiency.

His tactical aggression proved decisive: after suffering a Sudden Death loss to Miguel on Day 2, Nakashima recalibrated to dismantle Nick Kyrgios 3-1 in Friday’s semifinal (18-14, 10-20, 12-17, 10-20), methodically grinding out Kyrgios’s serve (33% in Q2-Q3) before advancing to face the Brazilian teen.

“I was going for my shots a little bit more, trying to play more aggressive than yesterday,” Nakashima reflected post-match. “With his power and everything, once he gets on the offensive it’s tough to defend.”

Guto’s Breakthrough Run

Miguel’s loss to Nakashima capped a historic week for Brazilian tennis. The 17-year-old, invited as a wild card, reached the Final by outmaneuvering Francisco Cerundolo 3-2 in Sudden Death (11-23, 15-12, 15-16, 17-12, 2-0 SD), sweeping the fifth quarter after falling behind Q1. His path included signature wins over Kyrgios (3-2 SD on Day 1) and Nakashima (3-2 SD on Day 2), establishing him as a serious international prospect.

“When I play enjoying the moment and no complaints during the point, I can play my best tennis,” Miguel said. “It’s just the beginning.”

Fonseca’s Redemption

João Fonseca, eliminated from the main bracket after losses to Griekspoor and Kyrgios, claimed the classification match against Corentin Moutet 3-1 (16-14, 13-20, 16-14, 19-10), dominating Q4 with 77% return efficiency. Moutet’s Flamengo jersey – a nod to Brazil’s football culture – provided lighter atmosphere.

Fonseca emphasized the weight of competing at home: “Having this experience is a pleasure. We normally only have once a year playing Rio Open, so it’s a great experience I’ll take for the rest of my career.”

Cameron Norrie rounded out Saturday’s semifinal bracket with a dramatic 0-2 comeback against Tallon Griekspoor (12-19, 19-20, 18-7, 18-10, 2-1 SD), saving 7 quarter points across three quarters before clinching on the deciding point.

FINAL
Brandon Nakashima d. Guto Miguel: 3-0 (15-14, 17-14, 15-13)

SEMI-FINALS
Miguel d. Francisco Cerúndolo: 3-2 (11-23, 15-12, 15-16, 17-12, 2-0 SD)
Nakashima d. Nick Kyrgios: 3-1 (14-18, 20-10, 17-12, 20-10)

CLASSIFICATION MATCHES
Cameron Norrie d. Tallon Griekspoor: 3-2 (12-19, 19-20, 18-7, 18-10, 2-1 SD)
João Fonseca d. Corentin Moutet: 3-1 (16-14, 13-20, 16-14, 19-10)

The full result of the event here

Final Prize Money:

1. Brandon Nakashima – $368,800
2. Guto Miguel – $214,200
3. Francisco Cerúndolo – $123,000
4. Nick Kyrgios – $123,000
5. Cameron Norrie – $119,600
6. João Fonseca – $119,600
7. Tallon Griekspoor – $100,400
8. Corentin Moutet – $69,200