TENNIS – Ben Shelton produced one of the standout performances of his career on Tuesday, overpowering Jakub Mensik 6-3 6-1 to reach the Canadian Open semi-finals as the American builds momentum ahead of the US Open.
The hard-serving 23-year-old, a formidable presence on hard courts, dominated from start to finish as every facet of his aggressive game clicked, with Shelton committing just three unforced errors.
After a near-flawless opening set, Shelton fired a backhand winner down the line to break the Czech’s serve for a 2-0 lead in the second, punctuating the moment with a thunderous roar.
Shelton sealed the 72-minute win in Montreal when an overwhelmed Mensik sent a backhand long on match point.
“It was a great performance, super happy with that one,” Shelton told Tennis Channel.
“For me it’s about building confidence. Every match I play, every practice that I have, I’m feeling better and better on these hard courts. I’m feeling more in control of the ball which allows me to go for my shots.”
Defending champion Shelton will next face fellow American Learner Tien, who recovered from an early break of serve in the opening set before pulling away for an impressive 6-3 6-2 win over Spain’s Daniel Merida to reach his first Masters 1000 semi-final.
American Brandon Nakashima and 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar also reached their first Masters 1000 semi-finals, with Nakashima beating Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2 6-3 before Jodar defeated France’s Arthur Fils 7-6(5) 6-3.
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