Montreal: Shelton feels right at home in Canada

Some victories carry more weight than others. And we are not just talking about the thunderous serves and forehands Ben Shelton unleashed across Quebec over the course of ten days. By retaining his Canadian Open title, the 23-year-old left-hander secured his place in tournament history alongside Andy Murray (2009-10), Novak Djokovic (2011-12) and Rafael Nadal (2018-19), the only players to have achieved back-to-back triumphs before him. Not bad company to keep.

A champion embracing expectations

Upset by Chile's Alejandro Tabilo in the quarter-finals of Washington, Shelton responded in the best possible way. Seeded fifth in Canada and the last remaining Top 10 player standing by the Round of 16, the defending champion quickly found himself carrying the favourites' tag during a tournament filled with surprises and breakthrough performances.

Far from being burdened by the added expectations, the American thrived. Confident in his game from the outset, he stormed to the title without dropping a set, capping his campaign with a controlled 6-3, 7-6(4) victory over compatriot Brandon Nakashima in the final after one hour and 27 minutes.

Victories over Joao Fonseca, Jakub Mensik and Learner Tien along the way also served as a reminder that Shelton possesses all the tools required to establish himself as the leading figure of this fearless new generation. The seventh title of his career, and already his fourth of the 2026 season following triumphs in Dallas, Munich and Stuttgart, was further reward for the work he has put in. It also lifts him back to world No.6, just one place shy of his career-high ranking.

"For me to play the way that I played this week to go through this draw speaks to the work I have been putting in," he said after the final. "It also speaks to my mental toughness, my ability to focus through everything that was going on this week."

"I couldn't be happier with the way I won this week," he had in press conference. "It was such a good display from me. The way that I moved on the court, the way I struck the ball, my serve and return. I thought I was versatile. I played all-court tennis. And I'm super happy with the way that the match turned out."

Perhaps feeling the physical effects of his impressive run in Montreal, "Big Ben" was unable to carry that momentum into Cincinnati, where he was defeated in straight sets by Jaime Faria in his opening match. Yet that unexpected break may prove beneficial as he looks to recharge ahead of the US Open, where he will once again be one of the main attractions. The season's final Grand Slam will also bring back fond memories for the American, who enjoyed a breakthrough run to the semi-finals in New York in 2023.