Ben Shelton storms into montreal quarter-finals after Fonseca Test

Defending champion Ben Shelton continued his impressive run at the ATP Montreal Masters, defeating Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in straight sets to book his place in the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old American, seeded 10th, produced a composed performance to win 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) on Sunday. Shelton has now reached the last eight without dropping a set and extended his winning streak in Canada to nine matches.

The victory, however, was anything but routine. Strong evening winds made conditions difficult, forcing both players to adjust their games. Shelton relied on his powerful left-handed serve and aggressive baseline play while trying to keep his composure during the second-set battle.

“It was tough today, not easy conditions,” Shelton said. “It all came down to grit. The tennis was not clean.”

Fonseca, regarded as one of the most promising young players in men’s tennis, had opportunities to change the momentum. The Brazilian led 3-1 and 40-30 in the second set when he landed awkwardly after attempting a smash, appearing to hurt his ankle.

The 18-year-old continued, but his performance became increasingly erratic. He finished with 32 unforced errors, allowing Shelton to stay in control. The American eventually sealed victory on his second of four match points when Fonseca sent a return into the net.

Shelton will next face 13th-seeded Czech Jakub Mensik, who advanced by beating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5. Mensik overturned a second-set deficit by winning 12 of the final 14 points, including a memorable winning lob.

Elsewhere, Spain’s Daniel Merida continued his remarkable hard-court breakthrough by defeating Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 6-1 in just 69 minutes.

The 63rd-ranked Spaniard had never won a tour-level hard-court match before arriving in Montreal. He has now won four consecutive matches on the surface and secured a first Masters quarter-final, guaranteeing a rise into the world’s top 50.

Merida will face American 12th seed Learner Tien, who defeated Argentina’s Thiago Tirante 6-4, 6-4.

“This is a dream come true,” Merida said after the victory, underlining the confidence behind his breakthrough season.

With Shelton chasing another Montreal title and Merida enjoying a stunning rise, the tournament is shaping up for an exciting finish.