The Mubadala DC Open semifinals on Sunday, August 2, in Washington produced unexpected final matchups. Taylor Fritz will face 19-year-old Rafael Jódar for the ATP 500 title, while Alexandra Eala will take on Jessica Pegula in the WTA final.
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Fritz survives Nakashima in all-American battle
Fritz, the third seed, defeated Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in an all-American semifinal clash. After controlling the opening set with sharp serving, Fritz dropped the second to an aggressive Nakashima who broke early to lead 3-1. The third set saw Fritz reassert himself with an early break that he defended to the finish. It was the American's 27th victory of the season, and he will contest his third ATP 500 final of 2026 after Dallas and Halle, where he fell short on both occasions. Washington could be his opportunity to end a title drought stretching over a year.
Jódar rallies past Tabilo to break into the top 15
The ATP match of the day was Jódar's comeback against Alejandro Tabilo, who had upset second seed Ben Shelton in the previous round. The Chilean, ranked 30th, won a tight first-set tiebreak 7-5, but the 19-year-old Spaniard found the resources to turn the match around. Jódar leveled by breaking serve at the crucial moment in the second set (6-4), then broke immediately in the third and never looked back (6-4). The result guarantees him a spot inside the ATP top 15, with a projected ranking of 12th if he wins the title. Since his maiden title in Marrakech in April, Jódar has continued to push boundaries, defeating fourth seed Lorenzo Musetti, eighth seed Arthur Fils, and now Tabilo this week.
Eala dominates Osaka to reach first WTA 500 final
On the WTA side, Alexandra Eala delivered the most impressive performance of the day, dispatching Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 to reach her first WTA 500 final. The 21-year-old Filipino, ranked 28th, broke early in the first set for a 2-1 lead. Osaka briefly led 4-3, but Eala won three consecutive games to claim the opener. In the second set, she broke immediately and never relinquished her advantage, winning five straight games to seal the match 6-2. Osaka's recurring double faults made the task easier for an imperious Eala. "I'm super, super happy. I think I played really well, and of course, it's such a meaningful match against a great player," Eala said after her victory (Inquirer Sports). It was her third consecutive straight-set win of the week, following victories over Elina Svitolina in the quarters and Osaka in the semis.
Pegula overcomes slow start to reach the final
World number three Jessica Pegula, the top WTA seed, overcame a sluggish opening to defeat Diana Shnaider 7-5, 6-4. The American found her rhythm in the second set with back-to-back breaks to lead 5-2, before squandering a match point on serve with three consecutive unforced errors. Pegula eventually closed it out on her next service game, setting up a final showdown against Eala.
Finals preview
The ATP title will be decided between Fritz, the 28-year-old third seed seeking redemption after two lost finals this season, and Jódar, the 19-year-old sensation who appears to have no ceiling. On the WTA side, Eala, riding an irresistible wave of form this week, will face Pegula, the third-ranked player and logical favorite. Both finals promise a compelling clash of youth versus experience.
