Shelton ends Fonseca’s Montreal surge
Defending champion Ben Shelton halted the impressive National Bank Open presented by Rogers run of 19-year-old Joao Fonseca on Sunday, earning a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory to reach the quarter-finals in Montreal. The fifth-seeded American used his aggressive style and strong net play to withstand a determined challenge from the Brazilian teenager. Shelton’s win marked his 30th victory of the season and kept him on course for a fourth title in 2026. He is now the only Top-10 player remaining in the draw.
The opening set featured an entertaining exchange of early breaks, with both players quickly demonstrating their attacking intent. At 4-3, 15/30, Shelton produced a scorching forehand winner that clipped the line and shifted the momentum in his favour. The American then secured the decisive break to move ahead 5-3 before serving out the set. Shelton’s ability to take time away from Fonseca proved especially effective during the key moments.
Fonseca fights through an ankle scare
Fonseca made a fast start to the second set, surging into a 3-0 lead as he looked to force the match into a decider. However, at 3-1, the Brazilian appeared to tweak his right ankle after jumping to chase an overhead while attempting to save a break point. The incident briefly affected his movement, and Shelton capitalised by breaking back before levelling the set at 3-3. Despite the setback, Fonseca continued to compete fiercely and saved another break point at 5-5.
Shelton was flawless in the tie-break, delivering a composed performance to close out the contest in straight sets. According to Infosys ATP Stats, the American won 78 per cent of his first-serve points, taking 35 of 45. He was also highly effective at the net, winning 14 of 18 points in the forecourt. “For me, it's about playing aggressive tennis," Shelton shared. " I look to try to get to the net and be aggressive and take the time away. I thought I did a great job of that in the tie-break today, came up with clutch volleys, and ultimately that's what made me win tonight."
Mensik awaits in the quarter-finals
The victory improved Shelton’s Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Fonseca to 2-0, following his earlier win over the Brazilian in Munich this year. Fonseca had arrived in the fourth round after standout victories against former World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas and ninth seed Casper Ruud. Although he fell short of his first Canadian Masters 1000 quarter-final, the teenager again showed why he is among the sport’s most exciting young talents. Shelton, meanwhile, continues his pursuit of a fourth title this season after triumphs in Dallas, Munich and Stuttgart.
Shelton will next face 13th seed Jakub Mensik for a place in the semi-finals. Mensik defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 29 minutes, overcoming a late challenge in the second set. The Czech was three points away from losing the set at 4-5 before winning three consecutive games to seal the match. Shelton and Mensik are the only former Masters 1000 champions left in the Montreal draw.