Nakashima Stuns De Minaur as Osaka reaches washington open semi-finals

The Washington Open produced a series of major upsets on Friday as defending champion Alex de Minaur and second seed Ben Shelton crashed out in the quarter-finals, while Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula kept their title hopes alive.

Brandon Nakashima Upsets Defending Champion

Top seed Alex de Minaur saw his title defence come to an end after suffering a 7-6(5), 6-4 defeat to American Brandon Nakashima.

The world No. 33 avenged last year’s quarter-final loss to the Australian in Washington and backed up his victory over De Minaur at Queen’s Club earlier this season.

Despite creating opportunities throughout the match, De Minaur admitted two poor service games ultimately proved costly.

“He served extremely well and played aggressively when it mattered. I felt I played at a high level, but those two service games made the difference,” De Minaur said.

Nakashima delivered an impressive serving performance, firing 10 aces while saving six of the seven break points he faced to secure his place in the semi-finals.

The American, who is chasing the second ATP title of his career after winning San Diego in 2022, will now face compatriot Taylor Fritz.

Taylor Fritz Saves Match Point

World No. 10 Taylor Fritz battled through a dramatic three-set contest to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(6).

Fritz saved a match point before booking an all-American semi-final showdown against Nakashima.

Ben Shelton Knocked Out by Alejandro Tabilo

Second seed Ben Shelton also exited the tournament after a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 defeat to Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.

Tabilo recovered brilliantly after falling behind early in the deciding set, breaking straight back before sealing victory after more than two hours of entertaining tennis.

The Chilean showcased an impressive variety of shot-making, including a spectacular tweener lob and several delicate volleys, as Shelton struggled to maintain his composure late in the match.

Tabilo will now meet rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar, who produced a remarkable comeback to eliminate fourth seed Lorenzo Musetti 1-6, 6-1, 6-4.

The 19-year-old Spaniard has now reached his third ATP semi-final of the season and is guaranteed to break into the world’s top 20 for the first time.

Jessica Pegula Continues Strong Run

On the women’s side, top seed Jessica Pegula advanced comfortably after defeating Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 7-5.

The American, who lifted her first WTA title in Washington back in 2019, reached her sixth semi-final of the season and will face fourth seed Diana Shnaider for a place in the championship match.

Shnaider booked her place in the last four with a straight-sets victory over fellow Russian Liudmila Samsonova.

Naomi Osaka Sets Up Alexandra Eala Clash

Third seed Naomi Osaka recovered from losing the opening set to defeat Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

The four-time Grand Slam champion will now face rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala in the semi-finals.

Eala continued her breakthrough season by eliminating second seed Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-4.

The victory marked Eala’s sixth win over a top-10 opponent this season and secured her third semi-final appearance of the year.

The teenager had already made headlines earlier in the tournament by knocking out defending champion Leylah Fernandez, underlining her status as one of the brightest young talents on the WTA Tour.