Who are the first semifinalists at the ATP Masters in Montreal?

American Brandon Nakashima and 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar, both of whom have reached their first Masters 1000 semifinal.

What was the score of Nakashima's win over Darderi?

Nakashima won 6-2, 6-3 in 77 minutes, hitting 11 aces in the process.

How did Jodar fare against Fils?

Jodar won 7-6(5), 6-3 in a match that was interrupted by rain with Jodar leading 5-4 in the first set.

Who is defending the title at the Canadian Masters?

American Ben Shelton, who won last year in Toronto.

Tennis

Nakashima and Teen Jodar Reach Montreal Semifinals, Both First Masters 1000 Appearance

T.E. · Prije 7h | 2 min

American Brandon Nakashima and 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar secured their first Masters 1000 semifinal berths on Tuesday. They will face each other for the first time for a spot in the final.

Summary

Brandon Nakashima and Rafael Jodar are the first semifinalists at the Montreal Masters, both achieving their first semifinal appearance at this level.
Nakashima defeated Darderi 6-2, 6-3 in 77 minutes, while Jodar beat Fils 7-6(5), 6-3.
This is Jodar's 34th win of the season, and reaching the semifinals guarantees him a rise to at least 11th in the ATP rankings.
The semifinal clash between Nakashima and Jodar will be their first career meeting on the ATP Tour.

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The first semifinal pairing at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal is set. American Brandon Nakashima and Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar will battle for a place in the final after both secured quarterfinal victories on Tuesday, marking their first career appearances in the last four at this level.

Nakashima Cruises to Historic Achievement

Nakashima, a 25-year-old currently ranked 31st on the ATP standings, overpowered Italy's Luciano Darderi (ATP - 22nd) 6-2, 6-3 in just 77 minutes of play. The American fired 11 aces and dominated key moments, breaking his opponent's serve as early as the fourth game of the opening set.

This was their third meeting and Nakashima's second consecutive win, having never previously advanced beyond the round of 16 at Masters 1000 events. Darderi, the 19th seed, managed to put up a fight in the second set, but Nakashima converted his fourth break point in the penultimate game and then served out the match comfortably.

Jodar Confirms Stellar Season

Later, 19-year-old Rafael Jodar (ATP - 15th) defeated France's Arthur Fils (ATP - 24th) 7-6(5), 6-3. The match was interrupted by rain with Jodar leading 5-4 in the first set, but the Spaniard fared better in the tiebreak after the resumption and then secured three breaks in the second set.

This is Jodar's 34th win of the season, and with this semifinal berth, he has guaranteed a rise to at least 11th in the rankings. His opponent, Fils, the 18th seed, was unable to replicate his earlier form and halt the young Spaniard's momentum.

First Career Meeting Awaits

Nakashima and Jodar will play their first ATP Tour match against each other in the semifinals. The winner will advance to their first Masters 1000 final.

The other semifinal pairing will be determined after the night quarterfinals, which feature Spain's Daniel Merida against American Learner Tien, and Czech Jakub Mensik versus American Ben Shelton, who is defending the title he won last year in Toronto.

The Montreal tournament is missing several top players, including world number one Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. The Professional Tennis Players Association has criticized the schedule and player workload as reasons for their absence. Due to rain on Monday, all four quarterfinals were postponed to Tuesday.