Nakashima beats Jodar to reach National Bank Open final

Brandon Nakashima defeated Rafael Jodar 7-6(3), 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the final of the National Bank Open in Montreal, setting up the first all-American Masters 1000 final since 2003. The victory for the 25-year-old American ensures that either Ben Shelton or Learner Tien will join him in Thursday's championship match, marking the first time two American men will contest a Masters final since Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish met in Cincinnati 23 years ago.

Nakashima, the 28th seed, controlled the match with his serve and tactical play against the 19-year-old Spaniard. He won 68 percent of his first-service points and put 85 percent of his first serves in play. Jodar, who was playing in just his fifth Masters 1000 main draw, struggled to find his rhythm, landing only 59 percent of his first serves and winning just 51 percent of his second-serve points. The match lasted two hours and two minutes.

The American broke through in the first-set tiebreak, taking a 4-2 lead and riding that momentum to a 2-0 advantage in the second set. Jodar showed visible frustration at times, but Nakashima maintained his composure. The final game was a tense affair, with Jodar forcing four break points...