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

American third seed Taylor Fritz triumphed over fellow American Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 at the Washington Open on Saturday, securing his spot in the final. The world number 10 showcased his skills, recording 13 aces and 24 winners while committing 16 unforced errors, contrasting with Nakashima's 27 errors. Fritz gained an early edge in the first set, leading 4-3, and maintained control by securing a decisive break.

He then dominated the third set, breaking in the second game and holding to win 3-0. Fritz attributed his victory to a pivotal break in the third set, which he described as "the difference." In the preceding match, Rafael Jodar overcame a set deficit to defeat Alejandro Tabilo 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-4. Jodar's win marked a significant turnaround for the 19-year-old, who had previously struggled, with his recent form and an ATP title win in Morocco propelling him into the top 20 rankings.