By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 9, 2026
Photo credit: Mubadala DC Open Facebook
Down an early break in both sets, Ben Shelton showed all-court acumen and tiebreak toughness to continue his Canadian roll.
Defending champion Shelton surged past Joao Fonseca, 6-3, 7-6(3), to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal of the season in Montreal today.
It is Shelton’s ninth straight win at the National Bank Open, following his title triumph a year ago when the tournament was staged in Toronto.
The fifth-seeded Shelton will face either Roland Garros semifinalist Jakub Mensik or Botic van de Zandschulp for a semifinal spot.
Attacking behind his slice backhand at times, Shelton won 14 of 18 trips to net and hit 26 winners, 11 more than Fonseca, defeating the Brazilian for the second time in as many meetings.
Shelton surrendered serve in the opening game of the match, but bounced back to break back immediately. Shelton, who was reading Fonseca’s serve, broke again for 5-3.
The left-handed American won 10 consecutive points on serve to close a one-set lead.
In another quick start, Fonseca flicked a topspin lob winner over the leaping American breaking for a 2-0 second-set lead.
The 19-year-old Fonseca held at 30 stretching his lead to 3-0.