Ben Shelton continues his pursuit of a repeat title at the ATP Montreal Masters, dismantling Jakub Mensik 6-3, 6-1 on Tuesday. This dominant quarter-final performance marked the American’s 10th straight win on Canadian soil.
As the final top-10 player remaining in the draw, the world number 10 faced little resistance from his Czech opponent. Shelton’s clinical display lasted only 72 minutes, during which he recorded 18 winners against just three unforced errors.
Reflecting on his progression, Shelton remarked, “It was a great performance for me, super happy with that and to be in the semis again.” He remains unbeaten in sets throughout the current tournament.
The defending champion is now set for a Wednesday showdown against compatriot Learner Tien. Tien earned his place in the final four by dispatching Spain’s Daniel Merida 6-3, 6-2 in 72 minutes.
In a historic turn of events, this marks the first time since 1992 that three American men have reached the semifinal stage in Canada. The atmosphere in Montreal is electric as these players vie for a spot in Thursday’s championship match.
Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar also secured a breakthrough semifinal berth, marking a significant milestone in only his fifth ATP Masters 1000 appearance. The 19-year-old overcame France’s Arthur Fils with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 victory.
Jodar managed to clinch the win after one hour and 45 minutes, despite Fils saving three match points in the final game. “I played a very high level today against a tough player like Arthur,” Jodar noted. “I had to give my best to win this match.”
The young Spaniard is scheduled to face 25-year-old Brandon Nakashima in the next round. Nakashima punched his ticket to the semifinals by dominating Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-3 in a swift 77-minute encounter.
Nakashima relied heavily on his service game to control the match, closing out the victory with his 11th ace. “My serve was super important. It got me out of some tough holes,” Nakashima explained, adding that he felt his confidence is currently at an all-time high.
Nakashima reached his breakthrough Masters semi in 77 minutes as he imposed his game on Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-3, setting up three match points with his 11th ace as winning as the Italian missed on a drop shot.
Jodar, who does not turn 20 until after the US Open, has won 34 matches this season and risen to 15th in world rankings, but sees improving his game as more important than his ranking.
“That shouldn’t be your primary thing and your goal,” he said.
Shelton has yet to lose a set at this event.
I hope to continue to build on this in the semis.”
Jodar shrugged off a slight tweak of his ankle in the second set against Fils and remained calm throughout as his French opponent smashed a racquet after being broken early in the second set.
“My goal is to have fun on court and to enjoy all the tournaments that are new for me.”
“I also took my opportunities on return when I needed to.
He was hitting his spots really well.”
