# brandon nakashima saves three match points to stun daniil medvedev at cincinnati open

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/brandon-nakashima-saves-three-match-points-to-stun-daniil-medvedev-at-cincinnati-open/
- Published: 2026-08-19T08:11:15+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T18:21:51+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: ATP Tour, Brandon Nakashima, Cincinnati Open, Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, tennis

## Article

Felix Auger-Aliassime Sets Up Thrilling Cincinnati Clash with Frances Tiafoe as Brandon Nakashima Stuns Daniil Medvedev

Brandon Nakashima delivered a stunning performance at the Cincinnati Open, overcoming three match points to defeat Daniil Medvedev 6-7, 7-6, 6-1 and advance to the fourth round. The American showcased remarkable resilience, reversing a seemingly lost cause during a grueling two-hour, 51-minute encounter on Tuesday. Trailing 40-0 on his serve at 4-5 in the second set, Nakashima’s composed ball striking turned the tide, culminating in his fifth career victory over a top-10 opponent.

“Down match points, I was just trying to tell myself to keep fighting for every point,” Nakashima reflected during his on-court interview. “If he’s able to close it out there, then too good. I just kept fighting and managed to get it to a third set. I’m super happy with the level in the third.” The 25-year-old American, currently ranked No.22 in the ATP standings, showed grit by saving his first match point with a precise forehand approach and volley, denying the second after an 18-ball rally, and sealing the third with a serve-and-volley maneuver.

Nakashima’s continued surge on the North American hard courts follows a finals appearance in Montreal and a semifinal run in Washington this month. Up next, he faces Nuno Borges, who stunned 13th seed Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round and snap a five-match losing streak against the Russian.

Taylor Fritz also advanced, extending his winning streak in America to seven matches with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over rising Spaniard Daniel Merida. Fritz, fresh off his fourth Washington title in five years, will now meet Christopher O’Connell.

Felix Auger-Aliassime secured a commanding 7-5, 6-1 win against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, setting the stage for a high-profile showdown against Frances Tiafoe. The Canadian had to adapt early against the tricky left-handed Cerundolo, who plays at an unusual pace. “It was a tricky start,” Auger-Aliassime admitted post-match. “He is a lefty and you don't play them often. He plays at a different pace… You have to find the right adjustments and once I did that, I felt more comfortable.”

Auger-Aliassime’s precise ball striking and relentless forehands pressured Cerundolo into errors, allowing him to break at 6-5 in the first set before cruising through the second in under ninety minutes. Tiafoe, meanwhile, battled past fellow American Learner Tien in a three-set thriller, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, to join Auger-Aliassime in the next round.

Italian Lorenzo Musetti continued his steady progress with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Michael Zheng, while Jaime Faria edged out Adam Walton in a tight three-set contest, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6.

The Cincinnati Open’s latter stages promise intense clashes as Auger-Aliassime and Tiafoe prepare to renew their rivalry, while Nakashima’s fearless form keeps the tournament’s narrative gripping.