Rafael Jodar continued his remarkable breakthrough season by reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final at the National Bank Open in Montreal.
The 19-year-old Spaniard overcame Arthur Fils 7-6(5), 6-3 in the quarter-finals to claim the biggest win of his young career and strengthen his reputation as one of the most promising players on the ATP Tour.
Jodar’s progress in 2026 has been particularly impressive. He began the season ranked No. 168 in the world but has surged up the standings with a string of strong results. His run in Montreal has lifted him to No. 11 in the live rankings, while winning the title would potentially take him as high as No. 9.
His victory over Fils also showed the composure that has become a key part of his game. Jodar led 4-1 in the opening set before allowing Fils to level the score, while he also surrendered an early break in the second set. The teenager nevertheless remained composed during the crucial moments and regained control.
“I stayed very calm during those important pressure moments of the match,” Jodar said.
He also made the most of his opportunities against Fils, converting four of his 12 break points to eventually close out the contest in straight sets.
Jodar will now face Brandon Nakashima in the semi-finals, with the American also enjoying a breakthrough run in Montreal.
Nakashima defeated Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-3 to reach his first Masters 1000 semi-final. The 25-year-old has also climbed six places to No. 25 in the live rankings, guaranteeing a new career-high ranking after the tournament.
The result adds to a remarkable week for the next generation of men's tennis. All eight quarter-finalists in Montreal were born in the 2000s, marking the first time that has happened at a Masters 1000 event.
Nakashima, the oldest player among the quarter-finalists at 25, will now meet Jodar for the first time on the ATP Tour. Both men will be chasing a place in the Montreal final, with the winner taking another major step in their respective breakthroughs.
