Nakashima downs Fritz to reach Cincinnati semifinals

Brandon Nakashima continued his strong form, defeating compatriot Taylor Fritz 7-6(9), 4-6, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters 1000. Nakashima, currently ranked world No. 22, has proven to be a formidable force on hard courts this season.

With 22 victories on this surface this year, Nakashima leads all players. He now has the opportunity to reach his second consecutive Masters 1000 final, having recently lost the Montreal final to another American, Ben Shelton. His quarterfinal victory over Fritz, the world No. 9, avenged a loss to the same opponent in the 2024 edition of this tournament.

Despite a strong performance from Fritz, who held a service break in the third set at 3-2, Nakashima managed to break back twice to secure the win. He will now face either Frances Tiafoe or Italy's Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals.