Nakashima appears in Delray quarters with Cash on hand

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.—There’s a new American teen stealing headlines, and his name is Brandon Nakashima. In his ATP debut this week, Nakashima has reached the quarterfinals of the Delray Beach Open.

The 18-year-old ousted Jiri Vesely for his first ATP win, and then topped Cameron Norrie on Wednesday—both in straight sets.

In his corner this week is Beau Treyz and a very familiar face, Pat Cash. Though Cash almost didn’t make it in time to watch his new pupil compete, having lost his passport as he attempted to make it out to Florida in time.

"It's been quite an adventurous 48 hours," Cash said. "I flew from Brisbane to Los Angeles to here. I arrived to watch Brandon play, win his first round.

"I was interested to get a young player," he added. "We talked a little bit through the match [before Vesely]. I had the stats all ready for him. I think he sort of thought, 'Yeah wow that's how it's supposed to be.' He's got raw talent that's for sure."

Cash has come on board to advise the young fast-rising Californian, who works full time with Treyz.

"I suppose a consultant at this stage," Cash said. "We were supposed to be in California, but he ended up getting the wild card here."

That wild card has worked out pretty well. What's it like having a Wimbledon champion helping you out?

“He’s had some good advice, especially against these opponents.” Nakashima said. “Just really happy that he’s here and thankful that he's here.”

Cash worked with Alexei Popyrin for as stretch last year, and before that he spent a few seasons with Coco Vandeweghe, but he's entirely new to Nakashima.

“Actually I just met him here a couple days ago,” Nakashima said. "We were supposed to have a training week out in California. We've been talking back and forth the last couple of weeks.”

As a teenager born in the 2000s, Nakashima is unfamiliar with Cash’s legacy as the checkered headband-wearing Aussie that won Wimbledon in 1987. The two do have something in common already though as Cash was also a standout junior. He was the world No. 1 in the ITF rankings, while Nakashima reached as high as No. 3.

Nakashima initially chose the college route, playing one season for the University of Virginia. But after a standout freshman year, he left to join the tour. The world No. 294 won his first ITF title in September 2018, followed by a second trophy last month.

“I always knew I had the game to compete with these high level pros, just had to have the right opportunities and stuff,” he said. “It's been a good start to the year so far, so happy I made the decision to turn pro."

He'll take on Yoshihito Nishioka on Friday.