Brandon Nakashima defeated Rafael Jodar in the semifinals of the National Bank Open, halting Jodar’s rapid ascent in the tennis world. Nakashima won the match 7-6 (3), 6-4, preventing Jodar from becoming the youngest male finalist in the tournament since Rafael Nadal in 2005. Despite the loss, Jodar is positioned to break into the top 10 soon, following a transformative season that began at rank 168. Nakashima advances to his first Masters 1000 final, set against Ben Shelton, marking the first all-American final in Montreal since 1995.

By the Numbers
  • Jodar's current ranking is nearly within the top 10, having started the year at 168th.
  • Nakashima served at 70% and faced only one break point throughout the match.
State of Play
  • Nakashima is riding a wave of confidence after reaching the final, previously defeating several high-ranked players.
  • The final against Shelton will be the first all-American matchup at a Masters 1000 event since 2005.
What's Next

Nakashima faces Shelton in the final, aiming to overcome the underdog status and capitalize on his recent form. Jodar's upward trajectory suggests he will soon break into the top 10 rankings, potentially making him a competitive force in future tournaments.

Bottom Line

Nakashima’s victory marks a significant moment in his career, reflecting his hard work and growth as a player, while Jodar's resilience hints at a promising future in professional tennis.