National Bank Open 2026, Montreal Day Seven Recap

The primary quarter-finalists had been confirmed on day seven in Montreal as the underside half of the draw reached its conclusion.

Rafael Jódar continued his breakthrough season with one other composed victory, Arthur Fils survived a stern check from Cameron Norrie, and Luciano Darderi and Brandon Nakashima each battled by way of three-set encounters to finish the final eight.

With so lots of the event favourites already eradicated, most gamers left within the draw are in uncharted territory as they chase the most important results of their careers.

Right here’s a take a look at the important thing matches and standout performances from day seven on the Nationwide Financial institution Open.

Day Seven Nationwide Open 2026 Spherical of 16 Outcomes

Winner
Loser
Rating

(20) Rafael Jódar
(8) Jiří Lehečka
6-3, 6-3

(18) Arthur Fils
Cameron Norrie
6-2, 7-6(8)

(19) Luciano Darderi
Nuno Borges
4-6, 6-3, 7-5

(28) Brandon Nakashima
(23) Arthur Rinderknech
7-6(4), 5-7, 7-5

Key Match Recap

Rafael Jódar def. Jiří Lehečka 6-3, 6-3

Rafael Jódar’s epic summer time continued because the 19-year-old produced one other polished show past his years to dismiss eighth seed Jiří Lehečka and attain the quarter-finals.

Having already crushed Lorenzo Musetti for the second time in every week, Jódar backed it up with one among his cleanest performances of the event. He managed the baseline exchanges all through, repeatedly exposing Lehečka’s backhand whereas serving fantastically underneath strain, successful 86% of his first-serve factors.

He’s now reached seven quarter-finals in his final eight tournaments and appears like one of many favourites for the title.

Jodar wasn’t even on my radar previous to the clay swing this 12 months, however he appears comfy on all surfaces along with his non-typical sport type for a Spaniard.

He does, nevertheless, possess one Spanish trait that Nadal specifically had: psychological maturity for his age.

When Rafa burst on the scene, his maturity on court docket was far higher than different gamers of comparable age, and if you examine Jodar to somebody like Fonseca, he’s far steadier.

Sure, I do know he’s getting some criticism on-line for displaying some anger and apparently not behaving properly to ball children, however I particularly imply how he performs within the massive moments or underneath strain.

Arthur Fils def. Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-6(8)

Arthur Fils survived a late fightback from Cameron Norrie to proceed his spectacular Masters 1000 season.

The Frenchman dominated the opening set along with his trademark energy and athleticism, however Norrie is a grafter and steadily dragged himself into the competition, saving three match factors whereas serving at 5-6 within the second set.

The Brit even recovered from 2-5 down within the tie-break to earn two set factors, however Fils stayed composed, saving each earlier than lastly changing his sixth match level.

Luciano Darderi def. Nuno Borges 4-6, 6-3, 7-5

Luciano Darderi is among the lesser-known Italians, however he’s had some top-tier outcomes this season, together with right here, combating again from a set all the way down to get rid of Nuno Borges in one other high-quality three-set battle.

Borges made the stronger begin and appeared on the right track to proceed his spectacular file in Montreal, however Darderi steadily imposed himself with heavier groundstrokes and higher consistency from the baseline.

The deciding set remained on serve till late, when the Italian struck at precisely the precise second to seal victory and e-book his tenth quarter-final of the season, essentially the most of any participant on tour in 2026.

Brandon Nakashima def. Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(4), 5-7, 7-5

Brandon Nakashima reached his first Masters 1000 quarter-final after edging Arthur Rinderknech in a contest interrupted by rain.

The pair had been locked at 4-4 within the deciding set when play was suspended for nearly two hours.

After the delay, Nakashima settled extra shortly, staying composed within the greatest moments to edge over the road.

It was a big breakthrough for the American, who had beforehand misplaced all 5 of his Spherical of 16 matches at Masters 1000 stage.

I’ve lengthy pitched Nakashima as somebody who may very well be round that High 15 rating mark as he’s tremendous regular and I wouldn’t be shocked if he received this occasion given how the draw has fallen aside.

Highlights

Nationwide Financial institution Open 2026 Day 8 Spherical of 16 Matches