MONTREAL, AUG 12 (IANS): Defending champion Ben Shelton stormed into the Canadian Open semifinals in Montreal with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 win over Jakub Mensik. The 23-year-old American has yet to drop a set in four matches this year, showcasing his dominance with 18 winners, just three unforced errors, and an impressive 89 percent success rate on first serves. Shelton even fired a 147 mph serve and never faced a break point. He remains the only Top-10 player left in the Montreal draw and will face compatriot Learner Tien in the semifinals. Tien, seeded 12th, advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Daniel Merida in just over an hour. The 20-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough season, having already reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open, his first Masters quarterfinal at Indian Wells, and winning his maiden clay-court title in Geneva. Tien leads Shelton 2-0 in their head-to-head, including a win earlier this year at Indian Wells. Their semifinal clash promises to be a high-stakes battle between two rising American stars, with Shelton aiming to defend his crown and Tien chasing his first Masters 1000 final.
Jodar downs Fils to make first ATP Masters 1000 SF
Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar reached his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal by defeating Arthur Fils 7-6 (5), 6-3 in Montreal. At 19, Jodar became the first teenager to make the men’s semifinals at the Canadian Open since 2018. Ranked No. 165 at the start of the year, he now sits at No. 11 in the live rankings and could break into the Top 10 if he wins the title. Jodar has already reached semifinals in Marrakech, Barcelona, and Washington this season, underlining his rapid rise. Against Fils, Jodar showcased resilience, saving break points early and applying relentless pressure with his returns and baseline play. The match featured marathon rallies, including a 28-shot exchange, before rain interrupted play at 5-5 in the first set. Jodar held firm after the delay, clinching the tiebreak with a deft drop shot. In the second set, he broke for 2-1 and maintained control despite rolling his ankle. His composure and shot-making sealed the victory. Jodar will face American Brandon Nakashima in the semifinals, after Nakashima defeated Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-3. The Spaniard’s surge highlights his potential to become one of the sport’s next big stars.
Rybakina eliminates Osaka to reach semis
World No. 2 Elena Rybakina staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 and advance to the Toronto semifinals of the Canadian Open. Osaka started strong, breaking Rybakina early and holding firm to take the first set 6-4. Rybakina struggled initially in the second, losing two of her first three service games, but fought back with two breaks of her own to force a tiebreak, which she won to level the match. The decisive third set turned when Rybakina, serving at 2-3 and facing triple break point, saved four break points to hold and swing momentum in her favor. Osaka’s frustration grew as she lost composure, even kicking her racquet after being broken to go down 4-3. Rybakina capitalized, closing out the match with three aces to seal victory. The Australian Open champion’s resilience under pressure highlighted her championship pedigree. She now faces Coco Gauff in the semifinals, a rare matchup as the two have met only once before, in Toronto 2022. Rybakina’s win keeps her on track for another major title run, while Osaka’s comeback season continues to show flashes of promise despite the defeat.