Nakashima reaches first Masters 1000 final, stuns Jodar in Montreal
Synopsis
Brandon Nakashima has never been past the ATP 250 level in a final — until now. His nervy but ultimately commanding 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Rafael Jodar in Montreal ends a historic bid by the young Spaniard and puts the 25-year-old American one match away from the biggest title of his career, with a career-high ranking already guaranteed.
Key Takeaways
Brandon Nakashima defeated Rafael Jodar 7-6 (3), 6-4 in the Canadian Open semi-final on 13 August in Montreal .
Nakashima advances to his first ATP Masters 1000 final — his fifth tour-level final overall and first above ATP 250 level.
The 25-year-old is guaranteed a career-high ranking when ATP rankings update on Friday , moving to at least No.
22 in ATP Live Rankings.
Jodar's bid to become the youngest Canadian Open finalist since Rafael Nadal in 2005 was ended.
Nakashima won 81% of first-serve points and saved four break points serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set.
Brandon Nakashima delivered a composed, clinical performance to end Rafael Jodar's impressive run at the Canadian Open on 13 August, booking his place in his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 final with a 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory in Montreal. The American needed two hours and four minutes to see off the Spaniard, who had been one of the tournament's standout stories.
How the Match Unfolded
Nakashima was dominant on serve throughout, winning 81 per cent of his first-serve points and rushing the net with consistent success. He earned six break points in Jodar's opening two service games but could not convert, while holding his own serve with relative comfort. The first set went the distance, with Jodar's forehand into the net handing Nakashima a 2-4 mini-break in the tie-break — and that proved the decisive moment, as Nakashima closed it out at 7-3.
Drama in the Second Set
The second set was anything but straightforward. Nakashima broke early and served for the match at 5-4, but was forced to save four break points before finally advancing. Jodar — who won admirers with a tenacious fightback, including saving two match points at 3-5 with a deft drop shot and a backhand that touched the baseline to end a 26-shot rally — ultimately ran out of answers. Nakashima converted on match point No. 5 with a precise serve wide.
What the Win Means for Nakashima
The victory is Nakashima's fifth Top-20 win of the season and sends him to his fifth tour-level final — and his first above ATP 250 level. The 25-year-old, who was playing his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final, moves to No. 22 in the ATP Live Rankings and is guaranteed a career-high ranking when the official rankings update on Friday, according to the ATP. He concluded the match with 28 winners and 28 unforced errors.
Jodar's Historic Bid Falls Short
Jodar had been chasing history in Montreal — a final appearance would have made him the youngest man to reach the Canadian Open final since Rafael Nadal in 2005. The Spaniard showed flashes of brilliance at IGA Stadium, drawing roars from the crowd with acrobatic winners reminiscent of Gael Monfils, but Nakashima's consistency and nerve under pressure proved too much.
What Comes Next
Nakashima now awaits his opponent in the Canadian Open final, where he will be looking to claim his first Masters 1000 title. The result marks a significant step forward for the American, who has steadily built his credentials on the ATP Tour this season.
Point of View
And his ability to close out a match against a player as tenacious as Jodar — saving break points when serving for it, converting on the fifth match point — suggests a mental maturity that his ranking has not yet fully reflected. Jodar, meanwhile, leaves Montreal with significant credit: his run will have put him firmly on the radar of the tour's top coaches and sponsors. The real question for Nakashima is whether he can carry this form into the final and convert his first Masters 1000 opportunity — history suggests first-time finalists at this level often struggle with the occasion.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Brandon Nakashima beat to reach the Canadian Open final?
Nakashima defeated Spanish player Rafael Jodar 7-6 (3), 6-4 in the semi-final of the Canadian Open in Montreal on 13 August. The match lasted two hours and four minutes.
Is this Nakashima's first Masters 1000 final?
Yes, this is Nakashima's first ATP Masters 1000 final. It is also his first tour-level final above the ATP 250 level, and his fifth tour-level final overall.
What ranking will Nakashima reach after the Canadian Open?
Nakashima is guaranteed to reach a career-high ranking when the ATP rankings update on Friday. He currently sits at No. 22 in the ATP Live Rankings.
What record was Jodar chasing in Montreal?
Jodar was attempting to become the youngest man to reach the Canadian Open final since Rafael Nadal did so in 2005. His semi-final loss to Nakashima ended that bid.
How did Nakashima perform statistically in the semi-final?
Nakashima finished with 28 winners and 28 unforced errors, winning 81 per cent of his first-serve points. He saved four break points when serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set and converted on his fifth match point.
