Rafa Jódar came close to advancing to his first Masters 1000 final, a prize that was snatched from his hands by a much fresher Brandon Nakashima: "You have to give credit, he was better today."
Almost eleven months later, Iga Swiatek will contest a final on the WTA tour again after overcoming Elina Svitolina in a tough semifinal in Toronto. The Polish player knows that a title here changes everything.
Montreal witnessed one of Nakashima's best victories of the circuit last night, cutting off Rafa Jódar and advancing to the final of a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time.
Fourth victory in Montreal for Ben Shelton, who has not stopped growing since the event began. Learner Tien awaits him in the semifinals, a match that will ensure an American in the title fight.
Elena Rybakina is closer than ever to becoming world No. 1, a goal she prefers not to discuss these days in Toronto. Last night, she had enough on her plate just to get through an impossible match against Osaka.
