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Ben Shelton Sweeps Taylor Fritz to Punch National Bank Open Final Berth
Ben Shelton continued his breakout season on hard courts with a commanding straight-sets victory over fellow American Taylor Fritz in the semifinals of the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto. The 22-year-old left-hander played some of the best tennis of his young career, defeating Fritz 6-4, 7-5 to book his first career Masters 1000 final. From the first ball, Shelton showed no signs of nerves in what was the biggest semifinal of his career to date. He fired 10 aces and won 85% of his first-serve points, frequently hitting the 130 mph mark with ease. Fritz, a seasoned Masters 1000 campaigner and world No. 10, struggled to find rhythm on return and was broken early in the first set. Shelton, currently ranked No. 14 in the world, was aggressive from the start, using his booming serve and forehand to keep Fritz on the defensive throughout the match. The win not only marks a major milestone in Shelton’s meteoric rise but also signals a potential shift in American men’s tennis, with Shelton emerging as a future Grand Slam contender. Dominant Serving and Big-Match Composure Despite a late push from Fritz in the second set, Shelton held firm in the key moments. After saving two break points at 4-4, he immediately capitalized on a loose service game from Fritz at 5-5, breaking with a crushing forehand winner. Shelton then served out the match with confidence, sealing the victory in just over 90 minutes. “I felt really comfortable on court today,” Shelton said after the match. “Taylor’s an incredible player, so I knew I had to bring my best. I stayed aggressive, trusted my game, and I’m just really happy with how I competed.” The performance highlighted Shelton’s growing maturity in high-pressure moments – something that has been a hallmark of his rapid development over the past year. While fans expected a tightly contested battle between the top two active American men’s players, Shelton took control early and never looked back. Fritz, who has been a consistent performer on the ATP Tour since 2021, was visibly frustrated with his inability to neutralize Shelton’s serve and struggled with unforced errors, particularly off the backhand wing. Fritz had reached the semifinals without dropping a set, but his level dipped against Shelton’s relentless pace and energy. The 27-year-old managed just one break point in the first set and failed to convert either of his two chances in the second. The match marked the first time Shelton has defeated Fritz in their head-to-head, and it came at a crucial stage of the season as players begin gearing up for the US Open later this month. Momentum Sides with Shelton With the win, Shelton becomes the youngest American man to reach a Masters 1000 final since Andy Roddick in 2003. He’ll now face either Daniil Medvedev or Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final, depending on the outcome of the second semifinal. Shelton’s success in Toronto caps off an impressive summer swing, which included a semifinal showing in Washington and a fourth-round run at Wimbledon. With his aggressive baseline play, fiery competitiveness, and highlight-reel shot-making, Shelton has quickly become a fan favorite and one of the most exciting young talents on tour. Ben Shelton’s run to the National Bank Open final isn’t just a breakthrough – it’s a statement. With a victory over a top-10 compatriot and a Masters 1000 title within reach, Shelton has positioned himself not only as the future of American tennis, but as a legitimate threat on the biggest stages right now.
