Fritz surprised by Nakashima in Cincinnati

It was quite a setback for Taylor Fritz.

World No.12 and American No.1, the 26-year-old has just bowed out in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters 1000.

Faced with Brandon Nakashima, ranked 49th in the world and invited by the organizers, Fritz lacked efficiency in key moments, finally losing in the tie-break of the last set (6-4, 4-6, 7-6).

Having enjoyed an excellent season, particularly on grass, the American giant is coming off a second disappointing tournament after a Masters 1000 in Montreal, where he stalled in the second round against Sebastian Korda (6-4, 7-6).

Opposite him, Nakashima confirms.

The author of a good Canadian tournament last week, where he reached the last 16 after emerging from the qualifying rounds, has now qualified for the second round, where Arthur Fils awaits him.