The American delivered a commanding serving performance to defeat the 19-year-old Spaniard 7–6(3), 6–4, halting one of the most remarkable runs of the Canadian Open.
MONTREAL, CANADA | SPORTS | AUGUST 2026
Rafael Jódar’s breakthrough campaign at the Canadian Open came to an end in the semifinals after Brandon Nakashima defeated the Spanish teenager in straight sets.
The 25-year-old American prevailed 7–6(3), 6–4 in just over two hours, earning a place in the first ATP Masters 1000 final of his career. Nakashima will face defending champion Ben Shelton in an all-American title match.
Nakashima imposed his aggressive style from the opening games, using his powerful serve and forehand to keep Jódar under constant pressure. The Spaniard saved six break points early in the first set, resisting an intense assault and forcing a tiebreak.
The American finally gained control in the decider. A missed backhand volley from Jódar handed Nakashima the opening set, rewarding the sustained pressure he had applied throughout the contest.
Nakashima then broke serve early in the second set and protected his advantage with a succession of precise first serves. Jódar created four break-point opportunities but was unable to convert any of them.
The Spaniard continued fighting until the final exchange, saving multiple match points and appealing to the Montreal crowd for support. Nakashima ultimately closed out the victory on his fifth opportunity with another powerful serve that Jódar could barely return.
Despite the defeat, Jódar leaves Canada after another major step forward in an extraordinary season. The 19-year-old defeated Corentin Moutet, Lorenzo Musetti, Jiří Lehečka and Arthur Fils on his way to his first Masters 1000 semifinal.
His Montreal performance is expected to lift him to around 11th place in the ATP rankings. Having already won his first tour title in Marrakech and reached finals in Barcelona and Washington, Jódar has also moved firmly into contention for a place at the season-ending ATP Finals.
He will now travel to Cincinnati for the final Masters 1000 tournament before the US Open, carrying both the disappointment of a missed final and further evidence that he already belongs among the sport’s elite.
Montreal ended without the trophy Jódar wanted, but his rise toward the summit of world tennis remains unmistakably on course.