Nakashima halts Jodar’s ATP history bid as Canadian Open finals set

Brandon Nakashima has secured a place in the Canadian Open men’s final, ending Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar’s attempt to become the fastest player to rise into the ATP top 10. The American defeated the world No 15 in straight sets, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, to reach the last four of the Montreal event.

Jodar, 19, had been targeting a historic ranking jump but saw his bid for a first Masters 1000 final title halted by Nakashima. The 28th seed, who had never previously advanced past the third round at this tournament, saved four match points before converting his fifth to secure the victory in two hours and two minutes of play on IGA Stadium.

Nakashima will now face defending champion Ben Shelton in an all-American final. Shelton reached the decider by defeating compatriot Learner Tien in the other semi-final, describing the win as a super happy performance against a tough challenge. The men’s final is scheduled for Friday.

In the women’s draw in Toronto, Elena Rybakina defeated Coco Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 to book her spot in the final. The Kazakh player, who has won the Australian Open and Stuttgart titles this year, finished off the match just before 1am local time, concluding a rain-delayed night session.

Rybakina will face Iga Swiatek in the women’s final on Thursday night. Swiatek advanced after defeating Elina Svitolina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a match that began an hour late due to rain. The Pole broke Svitolina’s serve at love for a 5-3 lead in the third set before converting her second match point.

The Canadian Open finals will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis from Thursday night into Friday morning. Both the ATP and WTA events form part of the combined tournament, with the men’s competition held in Montreal and the women’s in Toronto.