Defending champion Ben Shelton moved closer to retaining his ATP Montreal Masters title on Tuesday, cruising past Jakub Mensik with a 6-3, 6-1 victory. This win marks Shelton’s 10th consecutive triumph in Canada. As the only remaining top-10 player in the draw, the world number 10 dominated the Czech opponent throughout the 72-minute match, recording 18 winners against just three unforced errors.
Shelton, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament, expressed satisfaction with his form. “It was a great performance for me, super happy with that and to be in the semis again,” he said. “I felt great, I played well from the ground from point one. I’m right where I want to be. I maintained a high level throughout the match. I hope to continue to build on this in the semis.”
In the next round, Shelton will face fellow American Learner Tien, who secured his own semi-final berth by defeating Spain’s Daniel Merida 6-3, 6-2 in 72 minutes. This milestone marks the first time since 1992 that three American men have reached the final four at the Canadian event.
Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar also advanced to the semi-finals in only his fifth ATP Masters 1000 appearance. The 19-year-old overcame Arthur Fils of France 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 after an hour and three-quarters of play. Despite a minor ankle tweak in the second set, Jodar remained composed while his opponent struggled with frustration, even smashing a racquet after being broken early.
“I played a very high level today against a tough player like Arthur,” Jodar remarked. “I had to give my best to win this match.” Currently ranked 15th with 34 wins this season, Jodar emphasized that his focus remains on enjoyment rather than rankings, stating, “My goal is to have fun on court and to enjoy all the tournaments that are new for me.”
Jodar is set to face 25-year-old American Brandon Nakashima, the oldest player remaining in the field, in Wednesday’s semi-final. Nakashima reached his first Masters semi-final by defeating Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-3 in 77 minutes. The American closed out the match with his 11th ace after Darderi missed a drop shot.
Nakashima attributed his success to a strong serving performance. “My serve was super important. It got me out of some tough holes,” he explained. “I also took my opportunities on return when I needed to. I knew I had to open up the court. He was hitting his spots really well.”
Now reaching his 16th career semi-final, Nakashima noted that his confidence is at an “all-time high” following a recent semi-final run in Washington. He has now won seven of his last eight matches.
The upcoming semi-final matches on Wednesday will determine the two players who will compete for the title in Thursday’s final. With Shelton, Tien, and Nakashima all advancing, the tournament highlights a significant resurgence for American men’s tennis on the international stage.
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.
