Fritz outlasts compatriot Nakashima, set to face Jodar in Washington Open final

American third seed Taylor Fritz overcame a second-set wobble to beat compatriot Brandon Nakashima 6-3 3-6 6-2 on Saturday and reach the Washington Open final.

The world number 10 advanced to ‌the 23rd ATP final of his career after striking 13 aces and 24 winners ​while committing ⁠16 unforced errors, compared with Nakashima's 27.

Fritz took control of a ‌tight opening set when he ‌moved 4-3 ahead before earning the decisive break. The 28-year-old then served out the set in 34 minutes.

Nakashima, seeking his first ATP 500 final, responded strongly in the second set. He broke ‌Fritz to go 3-1 up, held to love for a 5-2 lead and closed out ⁠the set two games later to force a decider.

Fritz regained control from the outset in the third set, breaking in the second game before holding to love for a 3-0 advantage. He maintained the pressure to seal victory and book his place in the final, where he will face Spain's Rafael Jodar.

"Grabbing that break in the third set made the difference," ​Fritz said. "It was really a narrow margin the whole time. Not a lot ‌of chances either way.

Brandon Nakashima of the United States waves to fans.

"First set I took my chance, in the second set he did. I played a really good break point in the third set, and I dug very deep ⁠to just keep holding."

Later on Saturday, Jodar fought back from a set down to clinch a 6-7(6) 6-4 6-4 victory over Chile's Alejandro Tabilo.

"I knew I was playing well, having opportunities," Jodar said.

"Accepting ​all the moments ‌that I didn't break in the first set and the beginning of the second ‌set, accepting those moments helped me get the break in the second set.
"From then, I started playing with more rhythm with my serve, so mentally I was very good today."

Taylor Fritz serves during a men's singles match against Brandon Nakashima. Photos: AFP

The win was a ‌reminder of Jodar's ‌remarkable rise over the past few months, with ⁠Tabilo having won the last meeting between the pair 6-1 6-2 in ‌March at Indian Wells.

At the time, Jodar sat outside the top 100, but an impressive run during the clay season, which included his first ⁠ATP title at the Grand Prix Hassan II in Morocco, has catapulted him ​up the rankings.

Courtesy of his performance in Washington, the 19-year-old will break into the top 20 when the latest world rankings are released on Monday.

Reuters