ATP Houston: Paul and Tiafoe Hold Their Ground, Nakashima and Brooksby Also Reach Semifinals

The American crowd is not hiding its delight. At the ATP 250 tournament in Houston, all eight players remaining at the quarterfinal stage represent the United States.

Overall, logic prevailed this Friday in Texas, as the top seeds delivered to secure their spots in the semifinals.
Last year's finalist and the 2023 champion of this same tournament, Frances Tiafoe, can still dream of another title in Houston.

In the day's marquee match against Alex Michelsen—the only quarterfinal featuring two seeded players—last season's Cincinnati Masters 1000 finalist was the stronger player, ultimately winning in straight sets (7-5, 6-1).

Tiafoe will face Brandon Nakashima for a spot in the final. The No. 4 seed defeated Christopher Eubanks (6-4, 6-4), displaying solid serving and not conceding a single break point.
Consistent from start to finish (15 winners, 17 unforced errors), the world No. 33 logically prevailed and will now aim to reach his first final of 2025.

Meanwhile, Tommy Paul also held his ground.
The world No. 13 dominated qualifier Colton Smith (6-1, 7-6), saving all three break points he faced and capitalizing on his opponent's serve (converting three break points in the first set). The tournament's top seed will now appear in the semifinals.

There, he will face Jenson Brooksby. The American qualifier staged a comeback against Aleksandar Kovacevic (2-6, 6-3, 6-4), aided by his opponent's numerous unforced errors (45 in total). Despite three double faults and no aces, Brooksby was the more composed player in key moments and will now take on Paul, whom he has never beaten in their three previous meetings.