Nakashima edges Fritz in three sets in Cincinnati quarterfinals

Brandon Nakashima came through an all-American quarterfinal in Cincinnati, beating Taylor Fritz 7-6 4-6 6-3 after surrendering the second set. The margins were tiny on serve: Nakashima landed 57.7% of first serves and won 85.0% of those points, just ahead of Fritz's 57.8% and 82.7%. Fritz was the bigger server in raw terms, striking 22 aces to Nakashima's 13 with only three double faults against four, and he was steadier behind the second ball, winning 52.6% to 43.2%. Nakashima's edge on first-serve points held up in the decider and carried him into the semifinals.