TENNIS

Jodar vs. Nakashima: Preview, How to Watch, Odds

bet365 News Team Updated: Aug 12 2026 16:34

Neither Rafael Jodar nor Brandon Nakashima has ever advanced this far in a Masters 1000 event. Now, with a spot in the final on the line, they are set to face off in a high-stakes clash.

Rafael Jodar and Brandon Nakashima will compete in the first semifinal of the Montreal Masters 1000 on Wednesday, August 12, starting at 6:00 PM ET. This match marks a significant milestone for both players, as neither has previously reached this stage in such a prestigious tournament. The 19-year-old Spaniard, Jodar, demonstrated remarkable composure in key moments to overcome Arthur Fils, while the American, Nakashima, had a more straightforward path, defeating Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-3.

For both, this is a golden opportunity to advance to their first-ever Masters 1000 final. Canada provides the backdrop for a compelling encounter between two players with different career trajectories but a shared determination to build on an already memorable week and give their careers a significant boost.

Head-to-Head History

There is no prior singles history between Rafael Jodar and Brandon Nakashima. Their only on-court encounter was as doubles partners at the recent Washington Open, where they lost to Austin Krajicek and Nikola Mektic. This shared experience may have given them a close-up look at each other's game, perhaps offering insights into how to best approach their upcoming singles battle.

In terms of rankings, the rapidly ascending Spaniard holds the advantage, currently sitting at world number 15. The American is further back, positioned at number 31 in the world.

Rafael Jodar's Recent Form

Rafael Jodar is enjoying a breakout 2026 season. After coming through qualifying at the Australian Open to reach the second round, he began a swift climb up the rankings. He broke into the top 100 for the first time after a third-round appearance in Miami and soon after captured his first ATP title in Marrakech, once again starting from the qualifying rounds.

His success continued with an outstanding spring clay-court season, featuring a semifinal in Barcelona and a quarterfinal in Madrid, highlighted by his first career win against a top-10 player, Alex de Minaur. He also reached the quarterfinals at the Italian Open and the French Open, where his run was ended by Alexander Zverev.

Following a third-round showing at Wimbledon, Jodar has proven his form on the American hard courts, reaching the final in Washington after defeating high-caliber opponents like Arthur Fils, Alejandro Tabilo, and Lorenzo Musetti. Here in Canada, the young Spaniard has already dispatched Corentin Moutet, Lorenzo Musetti, Jiri Lehecka, and Arthur Fils.

Brandon Nakashima's Recent Form

Brandon Nakashima is also having a strong and consistent season. The Californian started the year by reaching the final of the ATP 250 in Brisbane, where he fell to Daniil Medvedev. He followed that with a semifinal appearance in Acapulco and a third-round run at Indian Wells.

On clay, the 25-year-old San Diego native achieved his best-ever result at the French Open by reaching the third round. He then excelled on grass, making the semifinals at Queen's Club, a run that included a notable victory over world number 6 Alex de Minaur. After another semifinal in Washington, where he once again beat de Minaur, Nakashima has now reached his first career Masters 1000 quarterfinal in Montreal, also defeating Arthur Rinderknech en route to his clash with Jodar.

Location, Date, Time

Location: Center Court at IGA Stadium in Montreal, Canada
Date: August 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (ET)

How to Watch Jodar vs. Nakashima: TV & Streaming

Viewers can tune into the action live on the Tennis Channel. You can also stream the match live on Amazon Prime Video or on bet365's free live streaming service with a funded account.