Nakashima tops Millman in opening round of inaugural Dallas Open

February 07, 2022 - 10:39pm

Brandon Nakashima of the U.S. plays a backhand return to Matteo Berrettini of Italy during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (Hamish Blair/AP)

DALLAS — Brandon Nakashima beat John Millman in straight sets in the opening round of the inaugural Dallas Open on Monday night.

The 20-year-old American seeking his first ATP Tour title beat the Australian Millman, 7-5, 7-6 (3), and will be joined in the round of 16 by Kevin Anderson. The South African was a 6-4, 6-4 winner over American Sam Querrey earlier Monday.

Grigor Dmitrov, ranked 28th in the world, tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw from the first major pro tennis event in the Dallas area in three decades.

Dmitrov was supposed to play doubles with John Isner, who lives about a mile from the SMU indoor tennis facility hosting the event. Isner, ranked 26th, played a first-round doubles match Monday night with fellow American Jack Sock.

Anderson won for the first time in 2022 and improved to 9-8 against Querrey. He will play Isner in the round of 16.

American Taylor Fritz is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 19.

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