On Friday, Ben Shelton showcased his powerful game by hitting eight aces and delivering three games without losing a point in the second set, ultimately defeating Zizou Bergs with a score of 6-3, 6-2. This victory propelled Shelton into the fourth round of the ATP Montreal Masters.
Event Context
Fifth-seeded Shelton, the highest-ranked male player left in a significantly reduced field, bolstered his chances for a consecutive title in Canada with a convincing victory that lasted just 65 minutes.
The American capitalized on foot faults and double faults from his Belgian opponent, advancing to the Round of 16 for the first time this season.
“Today was a good day for me; I managed the match effectively,” remarked the 23-year-old Shelton. “He started off with some excellent serving, so I had to make a few adjustments.
“I found a way to break his serve and kept pushing forward once I took the lead.”
Shelton is now awaiting his next opponent, with ninth seed Casper Ruud, the only other top-10 player remaining in his half of the draw, set to face Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca in the fourth round.
Italian player Griekspoor, a semifinalist at the French Open, initially dominated his match before turning around the momentum after receiving guidance from Swedish coach Thomas Hogstedt.
Ranked 66th in the world, Griekspoor gained a two-break advantage in the final set against the 2024 Canadian semifinalist. Although he lost one of the breaks, he reclaimed control, clinching victory on his third match point after more than two hours of play.
“Tennis can be unpredictable; it’s never over until the last point is played,” Griekspoor stated. “I focused well, and I’m pleased with my performance.
“I’ve been practicing at a high level but struggled to demonstrate that in matches. Although today was challenging, I’m happy to come away with the win.
“I wasn’t at my best, but I managed to find my rhythm and secure the match.”
Griekspoor will compete for a spot in the quarter-finals against Spaniard Daniel Merida, who defeated Alex Michelsen with a score of 6-4, 6-7, 6-1, saving two match points in the second set.
Merida, who had not secured a tour-level hardcourt win before this week, arrived in Canada fresh off a title victory on clay in Umag, Croatia, last month.
Match Outlook
Tallon Griekspoor continued his impressive performance by overcoming Matteo Arnakdi with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. This victory followed his earlier win against top seed and Roland Garros champion Alexander Zverev, showcasing the Dutchman’s ability to regain momentum during challenging moments.
