Cincinnati Open ATP Quarter-finals Round-Up | Nakashima stuns Fritz as Tiafoe ends Musetti's run
ATPSaturday, 22 August 2026 at 03:29
The Cincinnati Open semi-final lineup is now complete after two contrasting quarter-finals produced two American winners. Brandon Nakashima delivered the biggest upset of the day by defeating fourth seed Taylor Fritz in three sets, while Frances Tiafoe held off Lorenzo Musetti in a tight straight-sets battle to reach the last four.
Nakashima had to recover from losing the second set after edging a marathon opening-set tiebreak, while Tiafoe survived a late scare after Musetti fought back from 5-3 down in the second set. The results set up an all-American semi-final between Nakashima and Tiafoe, with both now just two wins away from claiming the Cincinnati title.
Nakashima stuns Fritz in all-American thriller
Taylor Fritz 6-7, 6-4, 3-6 Brandon Nakashima
Nakashima produced one of the biggest wins of his Cincinnati campaign by defeating fourth seed Fritz in a closely fought all-American quarter-final. The opening set was extremely competitive, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage as both protected their serves and kept the pressure on their opponent. The set eventually went all the way to a deciding tiebreak.
The shootout was just as tight, with both players having opportunities to take control before Nakashima finally prevailed 11-9. The 22-year-old held his nerve in the biggest moments to secure the opening set and put Fritz under immediate pressure in what was expected to be a difficult test between two of the tournament's home favourites.
Fritz responded strongly in the second set and quickly found the breakthrough. He secured the first break at 2-1 and consolidated it to move 4-2 ahead, putting himself in position to level the match. Nakashima stayed within reach but could not recover the deficit, with Fritz eventually closing out the set 6-4 to force a deciding third.
The decider remained finely balanced through the opening games, with both players holding serve to reach 2-2. Nakashima then found the crucial opening, breaking Fritz to move 5-3 ahead and putting himself within one game of the biggest win of his Cincinnati run. He did not hesitate when given the chance, holding his serve to complete the 6-3 set and secure his place in the semi-finals.
Brandon Nakashima of the United States reacts during his match against Rafael Jodar of Spain during semifinal tennis action at the National Bank Open in Montreal
Tiafoe survives Musetti fightback
Lorenzo Musetti 6-7, 5-7 Frances Tiafoe
Tiafoe booked his place in the Cincinnati semi-finals after overcoming Musetti in a match that remained competitive until the final points. The Italian made an early breakthrough in the opening set, but Tiafoe quickly responded to level the score and prevent Musetti from building any significant advantage.
Neither player was able to separate himself in the closing stages, with Tiafoe eventually moving ahead at 6-5 and forcing Musetti to serve to stay in the set. The Italian held his nerve to take the contest into a tiebreak, but Tiafoe produced the stronger tennis when it mattered most to take the opener and move within one set of victory.
The second set followed a similarly tight pattern, with both players trading holds and refusing to give the other a comfortable opportunity on return. Tiafoe eventually created the decisive opening late in the set, moving 5-3 ahead and putting himself on the verge of the semi-finals.
Musetti, however, refused to go quietly. The Italian broke back when Tiafoe attempted to serve for the match and then held to level at 5-5, suddenly shifting the pressure back onto the American. Tiafoe responded with composure, holding his serve before immediately creating another opportunity to close out the match. He took it, serving out the quarter-final 7-5 and avoiding a deciding set.
The victory sends Tiafoe into an all-American semi-final against Nakashima, guaranteeing that one of the two players will reach the Cincinnati final.
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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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mandoist12-09-2026 - You keep writing ridiculous crap... why are you even watching tennis?mandoist12-09-2026
- They probably have a very good reason for this. I do not get it. Annoying that it finishes so late
AceOfBase12-09-2026 - I hope he wins. Would be great to have a USA winner again with the men.AceOfBase12-09-2026
- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)AceOfBase11-09-2026
- Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
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- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
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