Catch the electrifying action at the 2025 Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Brandon Nakashima battles Luciano Darderi, and Alexander Bublik faces Alejandro Tabilo. Follow the thrilling tennis showdowns as the season winds to a close.
(8) Alexander Bublik vs. Alejandro Tabilo
World No. 16 Alexander Bublik is one of the most unpredictable players in the top 20–and by “unpredictable” I don’t just mean that it’s hard to know from one match to the next whether he’s going to be brilliant or…no (although that is true). I am also referring to his on-court behavior, which swings wildly from charming to furious to detached amusement (as he displayed in his recent triple-breadstick drubbing at the hands of Jannik Sinner). Put simply, Bublik is always worth a watch.
World No. 75 Alejandro Tabilo splits his time between the main tour and the Challenger circuit. Until a few weeks ago, the Chilean had a handful of tour wins this entire season. Then out of nowhere he came up through qualifying in Chengdu to win the tournament. Even with the win, Tabilo still has a losing record on the season. Bublik has had his best year ever. His ranking is at a career high and he has already pocketed four titles. Look for the Kazakh to advance.
Cheryl pick: Bublik in 2
Ricky pick: Tabilo in 3
Brandon Nakashima vs. Luciano Darderi
Italy’s Luciano Darderi has had a great season in 2025–on clay. It’s an important distinction, as Darderi secured three titles this season on the dirt. Off clay? Not so much. He is a combined 8-15 on grass and hard courts–and unfortunately for Darderi, the clay seasons are over for the year. He won his only previous match against Brandon Nakashima, but that match was…you guessed it…on clay.
Nakashima is ranked 32nd in the world, just off his career high of No. 29. The American was off his game at the start of the season, but he has found his way in the second half of the 2025 campaign. He made a semifinal showing in Chengdu a few weeks ago and reached the quarters in Tokyo. Nakashima should be well positioned to advance to the next round.
Cheryl pick: Nakashima in 3
Ricky pick: Nakashima in 2
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