Ben Shelton stayed on course to defend his title in Montreal, rolling past 13th seed Jakub Mensik 6-3, 6-1 to reach the National Bank Open semi-finals. The 23-year-old American, ranked No. 10, needed just 73 minutes and has yet to drop a set in four matches this week. He finished with an impressive 18 winners against only three unforced errors and evened his head-to-head with Mensik at 2-2. Shelton is now 12-2 at Canada’s ATP Masters 1000 event, a remarkable run that includes last year’s title in Toronto. He currently stands as the only Top-10 player left in the draw.
Upcoming Match: Shelton vs. Tien
Next, Shelton will face fellow American Learner Tien, the 12th seed, in an exciting left-handed showdown on Wednesday. Tien advanced to his first Masters 1000 semi-final by defeating Daniel Merida 6-3, 6-2 in a swift 72 minutes. After being broken in the opening game, the 20-year-old showcased his resilience by not losing serve again and converting four of eight break points. Tien currently leads the head-to-head with Shelton 2-0, including a win earlier this season at Indian Wells.
This upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both players are in excellent form. Shelton’s powerful serve and aggressive play style will be tested against Tien’s tactical prowess and consistent baseline game. Fans can expect a high-energy match filled with incredible rallies and strategic plays. As both players strive for a place in the finals, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the National Bank Open to see if Shelton can continue his quest for back-to-back titles or if Tien will emerge victorious this time. With their contrasting styles and competitive history, this match is set to be one of the highlights of the tournament.