Fritz outguns Jodar to win ATP Washington title

In a thrilling ATP Washington Open final, world number 10 Taylor Fritz defeated 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 to claim his first title of 2026. Seeded third in the hard court event, Fritz needed five match points to overcome the ranked teenager and secure his 11th title, marking his first win since Eastbourne last year.

Fritz gained control early, breaking Jodar's serve in the opening tiebreaker to establish a 3-0 lead in the second set. However, Jodar staged a comeback, holding serve twice to reduce the deficit to 3-2. But Jodar couldn't find another break point. He managed to hold for 5-4, forcing Fritz to serve out the match, though the American's chance was briefly delayed as Jodar received treatment for a fall he sustained in the ninth game.

The final game proved to be a grueling battle. Fritz missed two match points at 40-15 before securing one with a forehand winner, followed by another that sealed the victory. The contest lasted one hour and 49 minutes. Fritz promptly collapsed to the court, rising to salute the crowd upon the match's conclusion. The rain-delayed final overshadowed Rafael Jodar's efforts, as he missed out on a second ATP title after his win in Morocco in April. Nonetheless, Jodar's performance secured him a career-high ranking of 15th in the world.