USA's Taylor Fritz, who saved a match point in the quarterfinals, survived again in the American capital on Saturday when he outlasted countryman Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the last four.
A capital breakthrough 🏛️
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 2, 2026
@Taylor_Fritz97 ends Nakashima's run with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory to reach his first Washington title clash 🇺🇸@mubadaladcopen | #MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/uP1Bn2SX2m
Standing between the 28-year-old and the title on Sunday will be #NextGenATP star Rafael Jodar, who defeated Alejandro Tabilo 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-4.
With the victory, home-hope Fritz advanced to his first final in Washington and fourth this season after Dallas, Stuttgart and Halle.
Fritz, who appeared to tweak his left knee in the third set of his quarterfinal match against Alex Michelsen, showed no signs of trouble against Nakashima Saturday.
After dropping the second set, the 28-year-old recovered to earn a decisive break in the second game of the third set and eventually motored to victory in one hour and 46 minutes.
Backhand, pixel-perfect 👌@mubadaladcopen | #MubadalaDCOpen | @Taylor_Fritz97 pic.twitter.com/o5P8YuCuCI
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 1, 2026
The American remained rock-solid on serve for the majority of the clash, firing 13 aces and winning 80 per cent of his first-serve points.
With the victory, Fritz improved to 4-1 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series against Nakashima, whom he also defeated earlier this year in Dallas. The American is into his 23rd tour-level final, seeking his 11th title and first of the season.