Brandon Nakashima advanced to his first ATP Masters 1000 final at the Canadian Open in Montreal on Wednesday, defeating Spain’s Rafael Jodar 7-6(3), 6-4. Nakashima will face defending champion Ben Shelton in an all-American title clash on Thursday, marking a milestone meeting for U.S. tennis.
Brandon Nakashima had to survive a marathon closing game and five match points to secure his spot in the Canadian Open final at IGA Stadium in Montreal. The 28th-seeded American needed two hours to subdue the heavily fancied Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar, ultimately prevailing 7-6(3), 6-4.
The victory puts the 25-year-old American one win away from his first Masters 1000 title ahead of the U.S. Open. Nakashima has previously competed only in 250-level title matches, making Thursday’s showpiece by far the most prestigious final of his career.
How Nakashima Outlasted Jodar in Montreal
Nakashima found his rhythm on serve early in the match, capturing the opening-set tiebreak when Jodar sent a deep backhand volley long. The second set alone consumed 66 minutes of gruelling baseline exchanges as Jodar fought to stay alive.
The Spaniard saved four match points before Nakashima finally delivered an ace on his fifth opportunity. That dramatic final game featured six deuces and lasted more than 10 minutes, pushing both players to their limits.
“That final game was crazy,” Nakashima, 25, said. “It was super-tight. We both had to keep fighting.”
Brandon Nakashima
Nakashima credited his improved variety and aggressive baseline play for carrying him through the pressure. He pointed to his forehand and a reliable first serve as the deciding factors when facing late break points.
“Going into that last game I knew there was going to be some nerves. After the first few points it was obvious he wasn’t going to be missing from the baseline so I knew I had to do something different and change it up.”
Brandon Nakashima
Ben Shelton Cruises Past Learner Tien to Set Up All-American Final
In the second semifinal under the lights in Montreal, defending champion Ben Shelton secured a straightforward 6-2, 6-3 victory over fellow American Learner Tien to snap a two-match losing streak against his compatriot.
The big-serving left-hander faced few major threats, though he briefly required courtside medical assistance in the second set after crashing into the back wall and cutting his elbow and left hand. Shelton recovered quickly to close out the match in straight sets.
Shelton holds a 5-0 head-to-head record against Nakashima. Their most recent meeting took place at last year’s Canadian Open, where Shelton prevailed in a three-set encounter.
A Historic Milestone for American Men’s Tennis
Thursday’s championship match guarantees an all-American winner at an ATP Masters 1000 event. The last time two American men contested a Masters final was in Cincinnati in 2003, when Andy Roddick defeated Mardy Fish to claim the trophy.
For Nakashima, the resurgence of American players on the tour represents a broader, highly encouraging wave heading toward the U.S. Open.
“It is a great feeling,” Nakashima said on reaching the final. “It is a great time to be part of American tennis, so many guys doing well these days, so happy to be a part of it.”
Brandon Nakashima
With Shelton aiming to defend his crown and Nakashima hunting his first major trophy, both players step onto the court carrying significant momentum into the final stretch of the North American hardcourt season.
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