Ben Shelton advanced to the semifinals of the Canadian Open after delivering a dominant performance against Alex de Minaur on the court in Toronto. The American player’s powerful game and consistent baseline play halted De Minaur’s impressive eight-match winning streak, securing Shelton’s position as a key contender at the tournament.

Shelton Overcomes De Minaur’s Winning Streak in Straight Sets

The match tested Shelton against Alex de Minaur, who arrived in Toronto riding a wave of success, having won his last eight matches, including the Citi Open title in Washington D.C. Shelton ended that streak decisively with a 6-3, 6-4 victory in only 91 minutes. His performance combined a thunderous serve with solid baseline shots, proving his versatility beyond just power plays.

Ben Shelton Challenges the Perception of His Game

Shelton registered 13 aces while countering De Minaur’s 28 unforced errors, demonstrating both offensive pressure and defensive control. In addition to his serve, Shelton dominated from the baseline, hitting eight forehand winners and securing 32 points in baseline rallies, three more than his opponent. This display of all-around skill led Shelton to address how some rivals tend to underestimate his abilities beyond serving.

For me I think a lot of guys see me as just a server. Someone who can serve and not as much of a baseliner or a grinder,

Shelton said post-match.

He explained that his style includes powerful, consistent baseline shots, which sometimes catch opponents off guard.

For me, being able to win those longer rallies and be comfortable in my own skin out on court and not rushing to make something happen is a huge part of my evolution.

—Ben Shelton

Historic Milestone as Shelton Becomes Youngest American Masters 1000 Semifinalist Since 2005

With this semifinal appearance, Shelton not only reached the last four at a Masters 1000 event for the first time, but also became the youngest American to do so since Andy Roddick in 2005. His upcoming matchup will be against fellow American Taylor Fritz, marking their second ATP meeting.

This encounter will be notable as the first all-American Masters 1000 semifinal since 2010, when Andy Roddick faced Mardy Fish at the Cincinnati Masters. Additionally, it will be the first time since 1993 that two Americans met in the Canadian Open Masters 1000 semifinals, a stage previously reached by Todd Martin and Richey Reneberg.

Shelton’s rise signals a resurgence in American men’s tennis at high-level events, indicating potential breakthroughs ahead for the nation’s players.