The American served great, rushed the net with success and smothered the Spaniard in his 7-6 (3), 6-4 win. He ended Jodar\u2019s bid to become the youngest man to make the Canadian Open final since Rafael Nadal in 2005. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
After winning a tight opening set on a tie-break, Nakashima crucially saved four break points when serving out at 5-4 in the second set to advance after two hours and four minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With his fifth Top-20 win of the season, Nakashima advanced to his fifth tour-level final and first above ATP 250 level. The 25-year-old, who was competing in his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final, is up to No. 22 in the ATP Live Rankings and is guaranteed to rise to a career high on Friday when the rankings update, according to ATP.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nakashima earned six break points in Jodar\u2019s opening two service games without making a breakthrough. Meanwhile, he held serve with ease, before Jodar had his lone chance on the Nakashima serve in the opener at 4-4. Nakashima, though, escaped from 0-30. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the tiebreak, Jodar\u2019s forehand into the net handed his opponent the first mini-break for 2-4, and it was all Nakashima needed. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Early in the second set, Nakashima produced a deft half-volley winner and pounced on Jodar\u2019s second serves. Jodar lost serve again and hung on at 0-2. Saving a break point, he roared and the fans at IGA Stadium responded. They did again when Jodar leapt like Gael Monfils finishing off a smash. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nakashima then saved two break points. Jodar later clung on again, fighting off another break point at 2-4 and two match points at 3-5, one with a finessed drop shot. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nakashima dipped for 0-30 with two glarring misses. Jodar let him off the hook when his backhand passing shot gave Nakashima a volley chance, which he took. Still, a break point came but Nakashima slammed a serve out wide. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nakashima then saved two break points. Jodar later clung on again, fighting off another break point at 2-4 and two match points at 3-5, one with a finessed drop shot. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The drama ended, to Nakashima\u2019s relief, when he converted on match point No. 5 with a precise serve. He concluded with 28 winners and 28 unforced errors while winning 81 per cent of his first-serve points. <\/p>\r\n\r\n