Ben Shelton reached the National Bank Open final with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Learner Tien. Brandon Nakashima awaits after beating Rafael Jodar 7-6 (3), 6-4 for his first Masters 1000 final. The defending champion now plays an all-American title match in Montreal.
Shelton’s straight-sets statement
The fifth seed did not drop a set. Tien usually disrupts lefty patterns; Shelton’s serve never let him settle. It is a sixth title-round of the year after Dallas, Munich and Stuttgart, and a step toward repeating Canada after the Fonseca quarterfinal.
Nakashima’s first Masters final
The 28th seed took the opener on a tiebreak and held firm. Jodar, 19, pushed but could not match the down-the-line weight. A Shelton–Nakashima hard-court final is a clean US Open rehearsal: both serve flat, both like first-strike tennis.
Toronto parallel
Iga Swiatek beat Elina Svitolina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. Elena Rybakina rallied past Coco Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Swiatek’s first final of 2026 meets Rybakina’s third title match of the year. Both Canadian finals feed the Aug. 31 US Open.
Shelton will hunt short points. Nakashima will drag rallies and attack the second serve. The first tiebreak may decide who never finds a hold rhythm.
A Masters final is worth more than any US Open practice block. Shelton is defending Canada. Nakashima has a new ceiling even if he loses Sunday.
Toronto’s night match and rain delay are recovery stories. Canadian weeks rarely offer a clean sleep schedule. The better-rested finalist usually lifts the trophy.
Shelton will hunt short points. Nakashima will drag rallies and attack the second serve. The first tiebreak may decide who never finds a hold rhythm.
A Masters final is worth more than any US Open practice block. Shelton is defending Canada. Nakashima has a new ceiling even if he loses Sunday.
FAQ
Montreal final?
Shelton vs Nakashima.
Toronto final?
Swiatek vs Rybakina.
Did Shelton drop a set?
No. 6-2, 6-3 over Tien.
Bottom line
Canada closes with two title matches: an American final in Montreal and Swiatek–Rybakina in Toronto.
