Ben Shelton’s Montreal title defence sharpened: a 6-3, 6-2 win over Zizou Bergs in just over an hour put him in the round of 16. Tallon Griekspoor backed up the Zverev upset by beating Matteo Arnaldi 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Shelton: eight aces, no sets dropped
The fifth seed broke for 4-2, posted three love holds in the second set and still has not dropped a set this week. With every higher seed gone, Shelton is the clearest remaining favourite. Next: Ruud or Fonseca.
Griekspoor’s run continues
A medical timeout for his back after set one did not stop the Dutchman. He took the next two sets and reached a Masters R16 for the fifth time — first this season. Daniel Merida awaits after beating Michelsen.
How to read the draw
First-serve %, break points saved and second-serve return quality. Zverev context: upset report; feed /tennis.
Shelton’s second-serve stability in tiebreaks is the hidden skill of the week. Griekspoor must show his back survives a third straight hard-court match. An open draw raises the price of calm mid-seeds before Cincinnati.
Shelton’s second-serve stability in tiebreaks is the hidden skill of the week. Griekspoor must show his back survives a third straight hard-court match. An open draw raises the price of calm mid-seeds before Cincinnati.
Shelton’s second-serve stability in tiebreaks is the hidden skill of the week. Griekspoor must show his back survives a third straight hard-court match. An open draw raises the price of calm mid-seeds before Cincinnati.
Shelton’s second-serve stability in tiebreaks is the hidden skill of the week. Griekspoor must show his back survives a third straight hard-court match. An open draw raises the price of calm mid-seeds before Cincinnati.
FAQ
Shelton–Bergs score?
6-3, 6-2 in about 65 minutes.
Shelton’s next opponent?
Ruud or Fonseca.
What did Griekspoor do?
Beat Arnaldi after upsetting Zverev.
Why is the draw open?
Early exits of top seeds, including Zverev.
Bottom line
Shelton still looks like the title favourite; Griekspoor is turning one scalp into a real run. The next round decides the tournament’s headline.
