Nakashima pounds Fritz, Bejlek beats Keys in Cincinnati upsets

Brandon Nakashima advanced to the semi-finals of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters after defeating sixth-seeded Taylor Fritz in a grueling three-set match. The 20-year-old Czech Sara Bejlek also secured her place in the semi-finals, defeating former Australian Open champion Madison Keys in a closely contested three-set quarter-final.

Bejlek's win over Keys propelled her into a semi-final clash with fourth-seeded Coco Gauff, who defeated Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2. Nakashima will face Frances Tiafoe in the men's semi-finals, following a first-round upset in the Montreal Masters and a semifinal appearance at Cincinnati. Nakashima began his hard-court season with a semifinal loss to Fritz at the Washington event, and this was his best showing in Cincinnati before the US Open.

Nakashima battled hard against Fritz, converting 11 break points and winning 11 of 22 break points. Tiafoe needed four match points to defeat Musetti, emphasizing his determination to outplay his opponent. Bejlek's victory over Keys was fueled by her belief in herself, even after dropping the first set. Keys broke back in the second set, but Bejlek replied with a strong performance to win the match.

Gauff, who has improved her serve and decision-making since her Abu Dhabi win, dominated Kostyuk, breaking six times and holding her serve for much of the match.