Ben Shelton has successfully defended his title at the National Bank Open, showcasing his elite tennis skills and determination as he triumphed over fellow American Brandon Nakashima with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (4) on centre court at IGA Stadium. This victory not only marks his second ATP Masters 1000 title but also propels him to sixth place in the global rankings.
Shelton’s Dominance on Serve
The 23-year-old left-hander displayed a formidable serving performance, clocking serves at an impressive 230 kilometres per hour and maintaining his composure throughout the match without conceding a single break point. The encounter lasted one hour and 27 minutes, during which Shelton capitalised on every opportunity, particularly in the first set.
Nakashima, seeded 28th, found it challenging to counter Shelton’s aggressive play. He managed to win just 17 per cent of his return points in what was his first ATP 1000 final. In a pivotal moment, Nakashima fought back in the second set, pushing the match to a tiebreak after displaying a mix of aces and powerful forehands.
A Tiebreak to Remember
As the match progressed, the intensity heightened. The second set saw Nakashima matching Shelton’s power, leading to a tense tiebreak. After a slow start, Shelton seized control with a stunning cross-court forehand that put him ahead 4-2. He maintained his momentum, ultimately sealing the match with a powerful forehand down the line, celebrating his victory with jubilant gestures towards his team.
The first set saw Shelton break Nakashima’s serve to take a 4-3 lead, after which he held his serve and broke again, finishing the set in just 32 minutes. Nakashima, who initially opened the match strongly with four aces, was unable to sustain his early dominance against Shelton’s relentless baseline defence.
Doubles Championship and Attendance Records
In the men’s doubles final, Brazil’s Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz outperformed Croatia’s Mate Pavic and El Salvador’s Marcelo Arevalo, adding another layer of excitement to the tournament. Despite several rain interruptions and notable withdrawals, including top players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, the event attracted a record attendance of over 309,492 spectators.
Montreal hosted a thrilling 12-day, $9.42 million tournament, with the men’s event set to move to Toronto next year, while Montreal will continue to host the women’s competition.
Why it Matters
Shelton’s victory at the National Bank Open solidifies his status as one of the rising stars in men’s tennis, demonstrating not only his talent but also his ability to perform under pressure. This win could serve as a crucial stepping stone in his career as he prepares for future tournaments, inspiring a new generation of tennis players in Canada and beyond. With the sport’s growing popularity and the shift of marquee events, the landscape of international tennis continues to evolve, making Shelton’s achievements all the more significant.