ATP
Shelton edges closer to Canada title repeat
Ben Shelton reached the quarter-final of the Montreal Masters on Sunday, putting the hodler that much closer to a possible repeat of his Canadian title from 2025.
The American who is the last top 10 player remaing in in the field of the pre-US Open tune-up, booked the last eight as he defeated Brazilian young gun Joao Fonseca 6-3, 7-6 (3).
The challenger led in both sets but diminished his upset chances as he landed badly on his ankle after an overhead smash while leading 3-1 in the second set.
Shelton managed windy conditions and a determined opponent to earn the win.
“It was tough today, not easy conditions,” he winner said. “With the wind I struggled to find footing on a lot of balls.
“It all came down to grit, the tennis was not clean. Beating a high-quality player like that is huge for me.”
The son of a former ATP pro added: “I was a little hesitant on some shots and with my footwork.”
Shelton has now won his last nine matches in Canada and has not lost a set so far at this edition.