Two compelling semifinal nights at the Canadian Open delivered drama on both the ATP and WTA sides, with Brandon Nakashima stopping Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar's remarkable push for history in Montreal and Elena Rybakina grinding past Coco Gauff in Toronto.
Jodar, just 19 years old and ranked inside the top 15, had been chasing what would have been the fastest ascent into an ATP Masters 1000 final in terms of ranking history. Instead, 28th seed Nakashima proved too composed, winning 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in just over two hours on IGA Stadium. The match was tighter than the scoreline suggests: Jodar saved four match points before Nakashima finally converted his fifth opportunity to close things out.
Nakashima, who had never previously advanced beyond the third round at this tournament, spoke candidly about his mindset heading in. He acknowledged knowing he was playing at a high level and feeling capable of a deep run, though insisting he had not allowed himself to look too far ahead. He will now face defending champion Ben Shelton in an all-American final, after Shelton defeated compatriot Learner Tien in the other semifinal. Shelton praised the performance, noting that Tien presents him with genuine problems and calling the victory something he was especially pleased with.
Over in Toronto, Rybakina produced a strong fightback against Gauff, dropping the opening set 5-7 before taking control to win 6-2, 6-2 and wrap up play just before 1am local time following rain delays. The Kazakh, who has already claimed the Australian Open and Stuttgart titles this season, will face Iga Swiatek in the final after the Pole overcame Elina Svitolina in three sets.
TennisDraw users had flagged Jodar as a surprise finalist pick heading into the semifinals, making Nakashima's resilient run all the more satisfying for those who backed the American.
