Spanish prodigy Rafael Jodar, only 19 years old, saw his aspirations of making ATP Tour history in Montreal evaporate after a decisive loss to American Brandon Nakashima in the Canadian Open semi‑finals. Jodar had entered the tournament with the ambition of becoming the fastest player ever to break into the top ten of the men’s rankings and to secure his maiden Masters 1000 final appearance. Those dreams were quashed in straight sets as Nakashima, seeded 28th, delivered a 7‑6 (7‑3), 6‑4 victory.
The match, played on the IGA Stadium, lasted two hours and two minutes and featured a dramatic climax. Jodar managed to save four match points, showcasing his fighting spirit, but Nakashima ultimately seized his fifth opportunity to close out the encounter, ending the Spaniard’s run. After the win, Nakashima reflected on his performance, saying, "Going into the tournament, I knew I was playing at a really high level, so I knew that I could get a go on a deep run here.
Obviously, I wasn’t thinking about the final or anything." Nakashima’s triumph propels him into an all‑American final against defending champion Ben Shelton, scheduled for Friday on Sky Sports Tennis. Shelton, who overcame fellow countryman Learner Tien in the other semi‑final, expressed his satisfaction, noting, "Super happy with the performance.
Learner is a guy who presents me with a lot of problems in my game. A tough challenge to overcome. To get a win over him in the fashion that I did, I'm super pleased with that." On the women’s side of the tournament in Toronto, the semi‑finals produced an equally compelling storyline. Second‑seed Elena Rybakina defeated fourth‑seed Coco Gauff 5‑7, 6‑2, 6‑2 to secure her place in the championship match.
Rybakina, standing six feet tall, concluded the rain‑delayed night session just before 1 a.m. local time, adding another impressive result to a year that already includes an Australian Open title and a Stuttgart victory, bringing her career total to 13 titles. Rybakina’s opponent in the final will be seventh‑seed Iga Świątek, who earned her spot by beating ninth‑seed Elina Svitolina 6‑3, 1‑6, 6‑3.
In that semi‑final, Świątek broke Svitolina’s serve at love to take a 5‑3 lead in the third set, then surged ahead to a 40‑0 advantage before converting her second match point. The match started about an hour late due to inclement weather, but both players displayed resilience and high‑level tennis despite the conditions. The Canadian Open has become a pivotal event for players looking to cement their status ahead of the upcoming US Open series.
For Jodar, the loss is a setback, but his rapid ascent to world No. 15 at just 19 signals a promising future.
Analysts suggest that his ability to save multiple match points against a seasoned opponent like Nakashima demonstrates mental toughness that could serve him well in future high‑stakes matches. Meanwhile, Nakashima’s breakthrough to his first Masters 1000 final marks a significant milestone in his career. Prior to this tournament, he had never advanced beyond the third round at the Canadian Open, making his semi‑final run a testament to his development and adaptability on hard courts. His performance also underscores the depth of American men’s tennis, with both finalists hailing from the United States.
The women's final promises a clash of contrasting styles: Rybakina’s powerful baseline game and aggressive shot‑making against Świątek’s elegant footwork and tactical versatility. Both players have shown the capacity to dominate opponents under pressure, and their encounter is expected to draw considerable attention from tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Fans can follow the finals live on Sky Sports Tennis or stream via NOW and the Sky Sports app. The tournament continues to offer a blend of emerging talent and established stars, providing a compelling preview of the narratives that will likely shape the remainder of the season.
In summary, the Canadian Open semi‑finals delivered drama, surprise, and high‑quality tennis. While Jodar’s historic bid was halted, his performance hints at a bright trajectory. Nakashima’s advancement sets up an all‑American showdown, and the women’s final pits two of the sport’s most exciting players against each other. The outcomes of these matches will not only determine the champions of Montreal but also influence seedings and confidence levels as the tour moves toward the final Grand Slam of the year.