DC Open ATP Semi-Finals Round-Up | Taylor Fritz and Rafael Jodar complete comeback wins to reach final
ATPSunday, 02 August 2026 at 05:24
Taylor Fritz and Rafael Jodar have booked their places in the DC Open 2026 final after overcoming challenging semifinal battles in Washington. The American top seed defeated Brandon Nakashima 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, while Spanish teenager Jodar recovered from losing the opening set to beat Alejandro Tabilo 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4.
Fritz fought back after Nakashima forced a deciding set in an all-American clash, while Jodar produced another impressive performance under pressure to reach his first ATP final. The pair will now battle for the Washington title, with Fritz seeking another ATP trophy and Jodar chasing the biggest achievement of his young career.
Fritz survives Nakashima test to return to DC Open final
Taylor Fritz overcame a difficult challenge from Brandon Nakashima to reach his second consecutive DC Open final, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in an all-American semifinal.
The top seed made the stronger start, securing the only break of the opening set at 5-3 before closing it out confidently. However, Nakashima responded immediately in the second set, raising his level from the baseline and breaking Fritz for a 3-1 advantage before forcing a decider.
Fritz regained control in the final set, finding an early break and maintaining his composure throughout the remainder of the match. The American protected his lead with another solid serving performance before sealing victory after a long baseline exchange ended with a Nakashima error.
The victory continues Fritz’s strong run in Washington and gives him another opportunity to add to his title collection. He will now face Jodar, who reached his first ATP final after another impressive comeback.
Fritz will play his third final of the season.
Jodar completes comeback against Tabilo to reach first ATP final
Rafael Jodar continued his breakthrough week in Washington by defeating Alejandro Tabilo 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 to reach the first ATP final of his career.
The Spaniard and Chilean traded strong service games throughout the opening set, with neither player able to create consistent separation. Tabilo handled the pressure moments better in the tiebreak, converting his second set point after a backhand error from Jodar gave him the advantage.
Jodar responded strongly after losing the first set, staying composed despite missing early opportunities before eventually finding the breakthrough to level the match at 6-4. The teenager carried that momentum into the deciding set, breaking Tabilo in the opening game and consolidating the advantage.
Tabilo continued to fight, but Jodar maintained his level in the crucial moments and closed out another 6-4 set to complete the comeback. The victory sends the 19-year-old into his first ATP final and adds another major milestone to his rapid rise.
Fritz and Jodar will now meet in the DC Open final, with experience and youth set to collide in Washington’s championship match.
Rafael Jodar (ESP) during his third round match at the 2026 Roland-Garros tournament in Paris
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Great article! Thiem was similar to Del Potro in that both men had won Grand Slams and injured wrists each stole their careers away. Sad really.DaveyWavey22-08-2026
- I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Sabalenka but she is horrible on court when she’s losing (which is a lot lately). If you cannot control your self at all once you start losing matches - especially at 28 - you need to see a therapist or take a break from the sport. Terrible attitude. This is what represents the women’s tennis tour? Yikes!DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- Love Halep’s post! Very pointed yet simple.DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- He’s such a hypocritical douche! I remember when Sinner was out for three months on his ban and Kyrgios made such disparaging comments towards him and how awful he was. He’s such a mess of a human being.DaveyWavey19-08-2026
- Help me understand this. Nick tests positive for cocaine and gets suspended but Marketa gets banned for four years?Rapunzel19-08-2026
- Her main problem is that she needs a new coach. Her dad made her win the AO, but she needs somebody to make her stronger mentally, and improve her game.swantiez19-08-2026
- Stop the madness! Tournament directors operate in insanity everytime they give Venus a wildcard. They are using her just to rake in the money! Can she not see that!? They don't care about her! They care about the money. I cannot stand to see her play and now Serena has joined the madness. Unbelievable! They just need to retire and go enjoy their beautiful husbands and kids....smh. The madness is Unbelievable!!!Rapunzel18-08-2026
- The most egregious thing these Egomaniacs are doing is enough reason to STOP WASTING WILDCARDS. It's all plain and simple in this partial sentence by the author: "... the players trying to earn those main-draw spots certainly don’t need it."
mandoist18-08-2026 - Iga #3 and 4 slam winner ? The article is okay but check the very basic info on the players pleasedarwinobambino18-08-2026
- But pro tennis, like other sports & much of life, IS in the celebrity exemption business. Do we not look the other way when Krygios throws chairs around the court or Swiatek delays play to suit her own rhythm? Are we not right now making a BIG deal about Eala .. & making light of the fact that her fans are annoyingly boisterous. & are screwing with the timing of match play? Tourney decision-makers have been handing out wild cards to whomever they wish for a long time.. to players in their country, to former greats, to potential greats & maybe there are even 'secret' choices happening.. who knows. Yes, if I were Venus, I would be embarrassed by now.. & end it myself.. But if she wants to keep playing & directors have whatever reason they have for giving her another wild card, I'm going to watch her play with dignity & grace.. & maybe achieve a win.
tennishappens15-08-2026
Loading