Cincinnati Open: Nakashima, Bejlek Deliver Quarterfinal Upsets

Mason, Ohio – The Cincinnati Open, also known as the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters, saw major upsets rock both the men's and women's draws during Friday's quarterfinal action on August 21, 2026. American Brandon Nakashima eliminated sixth seed Taylor Fritz in a thrilling three-set battle, while unseeded Czech qualifier Linda Bejlek stunned 14th seed Madison Keys, setting up unexpected semifinal clashes.

Who pulled off the biggest upsets in the men's draw?

Brandon Nakashima, the 27th seed, delivered a significant blow to the men's singles bracket by defeating fellow American and sixth seed Taylor Fritz with a score of 7-6 (11/9), 4-6, 6-3. The intense match lasted two hours and 13 minutes, according to Al Jazeera. Nakashima showcased resilience by saving a set point in the first-set tiebreak before ultimately winning it 11-9. Despite Fritz hitting 22 aces, he also committed 31 unforced errors, which Nakashima capitalized on. The 27th seed trailed by a break in the decisive third set before rallying, breaking back to level at 3-3 and then again for a 5-3 lead, sealing the victory on his first match point with a forehand winner.

After the match, Nakashima expressed his confidence, stating, "I've gotten a lot of confidence over the summer. In the final set I trusted my game, I'm proud with how I ended the match. Today I was trying to hit bigger against him than in Washington, that's what got me through." He added, as reported by The Washington Post, "I've had a pretty good last few weeks, I've spent hour and hours on the court - I'm proud of myself. I now have the opportunity to win more matches."

Which top women's player was eliminated?

In the women's draw, unseeded Czech qualifier Linda Bejlek caused a sensation by overcoming 14th seed Madison Keys (USA) with a decisive 6-4, 6-3 victory. The match, which lasted one hour and 27 minutes, saw Bejlek break Keys' serve four times and save two of the three break points she faced, according to Japan Today. Keys, a former US Open finalist, struggled with her serve, landing only 49% of her first serves and committing seven double faults. Bejlek, just 19 years old, seized control early, breaking Keys in the opening game of the first set and never looking back.

Bejlek, reflecting on her performance, told FOX Sports, "I tried to play very aggressively, that was my plan. I’m very happy, I am playing well right now. I just try to enjoy every moment." Her confident play has extended her impressive run, making her the first qualifier to reach the Cincinnati Open semifinals since Agnieszka Radwanska in 2011, according to The Sunday Guardian.

Who else advanced to the semifinals?

Beyond the upsets, other players secured their spots in Saturday's semifinals. In the men's singles, Frances Tiafoe (USA) advanced, as confirmed by ANI. On the women's side, Karolina Muchova (CZE) also secured her place in the final four, as reported by Mid-Day. These results complete the lineup for the highly anticipated semifinal matches set to unfold on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Cincinnati Open.