Ben Shelton, who has reached a career-high ranking, will enter the Canadian Open as the fourth seed, a position higher than many might have anticipated for this Masters 1000 event in Toronto. This year’s tournament has seen significant withdrawals, including world number one Jannik Sinner and top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, all of whom have left noticeable gaps in the draw.
Despite these absences, Shelton emphasizes that the competition remains fierce. He acknowledges the opportunity but stresses that the tournament‘s difficulty level has not diminished.
Yeah, I guess a sense of opportunity,
Shelton said during his pre-tournament press conference.
I think a lot of players probably feel that. For me, I’m excited whenever it’s a big tournament, no matter who is in it, and the more top players in it, the better, you know. I’m sure that the fans feel the same way.
He continued by noting the unfortunate nature of multiple top-six players pulling out but highlighted the depth of talent still competing.
Some unfortunate pullouts of the tournament this year, four of the top six, I think it is. But, yeah, you know, there’s a lot of great players, hungry, in-form players, who are looking to do some damage and, yeah, I think I’m one of those guys.
He further tempered expectations by pointing out the ongoing challenges presented by the field.
So we’ll see. It’s just as tough. There’s so many great players on tour. It’s not like, Oh, you know, a few of the top guys or guys at the top aren’t playing, you know, it’s a free-for-all (laughing). I think it’s still, you know, just as difficult, and another opportunity to just get matches in and gain confidence going into the US Open.
Potential challenges and path ahead for Shelton at the Canadian Open
As the fourth seed, Ben Shelton benefits from a bye into the second round, where he is scheduled to face qualifier Adrian Mannarino, a former top 20 player. Despite their upcoming meeting, Shelton has yet to overcome Mannarino in their previous two encounters.
His first seeded opponent could be Brandon Nakashima, a fellow American against whom Shelton holds a strong record, having never lost a set in their four prior matches. This head-to-head advantage may offer a psychological edge as Shelton progresses.
Additional formidable competitors in Shelton’s half of the draw include Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Flavio Cobolli, all players capable of posing significant threats. Looking beyond this half, potential final round opponents might be Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Holger Rune, or Casper Ruud, established names who remain prominent despite the withdrawals.
Although Shelton has participated in the Canadian Open four times, his success has been limited, with only two match wins and no appearances beyond the quarterfinals at this level. This event represents his best chance yet to reach a Masters 1000 semifinal, an important milestone in his career development.
Shelton’s first match to watch will be on Wednesday, July 30, against Mannarino, where his performance could set the tone for a promising run in the tournament.
Significance of the tournament amid player absences and what lies ahead
The Canadian Open has faced scrutiny due to the withdrawals of top-ranked competitors. Despite this, Shelton remains optimistic and focused on the opportunities the tournament presents. His balanced outlook highlights the competitive nature of professional tennis, where the absence of some stars opens the door for rising talent to emerge.
As Shelton prepares for his chance in Toronto, the tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone ahead of the US Open, offering him valuable match experience against high-caliber opponents. His performance here could shift momentum in his favor as the tennis season progresses.