In a remarkable display of skill and consistency, Ben Shelton claimed his second consecutive Masters 1000 title in Canada on Thursday, overcoming Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). The American's victory in Montreal followed his triumph in Toronto last year, marking his seventh career title.
Shelton joins an elite group of tennis players, including Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, who have won back-to-back titles in Canada this century. This marks the first Masters final between Americans since Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish in Cincinnati 23 years ago.
Throughout the tournament, Shelton showcased exceptional mental fortitude, not dropping a single set. Reflecting on his performance, Shelton credited his rigorous preparation and mental resilience. 'To play the way that I have here, going through without dropping a set... it speaks to the work that I've put in and my mental toughness,' he said.
The all-American final began with Nakashima serving four aces in the opening game, but Shelton swiftly took control. He broke Nakashima's serve in the seventh game to win the first set and maintained his momentum, winning five consecutive games and securing the match in just 87 minutes.
This victory adds to Shelton's impressive season, which includes titles on various surfaces: indoor hardcourt in Dallas, clay in Munich, and grass in Stuttgart. With four titles already this season, Shelton is now set to head to the Cincinnati Masters, aiming to maintain his winning form before the US Open starts on August 30.
