Smashing Win Boosts Shelton’s Chance of 2nd Straight Title at Montreal Masters

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 9, 2026

Defending champion Ben Shelton defeated Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-2 to reach the fourth round of the ATP Montreal Masters, where he will face rising star Joao Fonseca following the latter's upset of ninth seed Casper Ruud. Meanwhile, at the WTA Toronto Masters, Elena Rybakina advanced to the last 16 as Canadian Leylah Fernandez upset French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, highlighting the intense competition in both tournaments.

Defending champion Ben Shelton secured a commanding victory over Zizou Bergs at the ATP Montreal Masters on August 7, advancing to the tournament’s fourth round for the first time this season. The American, seeded fifth and the highest-ranked player remaining in a depleted field, won 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour, capitalizing on multiple foot faults and double faults from his Belgian opponent.

Shelton delivered eight aces and maintained aggressive pressure, producing three love games in the second set to decisively close out the match. “It was a good day for me, I managed the match well,” said Shelton, 23, noting his strong serving and ability to break Bergs’ serve early. He added that once he gained the lead, he maintained momentum throughout.

The victory sets up a fourth-round clash with Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who pulled off an upset against ninth seed Casper Ruud. Fonseca recovered from an early deficit to win 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, prevailing on his second match point with a precise winner. “It was not easy at the start. He was serving well,” Fonseca said. He expressed confidence heading into the match against Shelton, describing the American as a formidable opponent but emphasizing his own preparation and rest.

In other men’s singles action, Tallon Griekspoor continued his strong run in Montreal, building on his previous upset over top seed Alexander Zverev with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win against Matteo Arnaldi. Griekspoor will face Spaniard Daniel Merida in the quarter-final round. Merida advanced after a three-set victory over Alex Michelsen, saving two match points during the second-set tiebreak.

Meanwhile, at the WTA Toronto Masters, reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina advanced to the last 16 by defeating 28th seed Ann Li 6-2, 7-5. Rybakina, ranked world No. 2, converted five of six break opportunities and saved two of four break points against her. She is set to meet Russia’s Ludmila Samsonova, who won a hard-fought three-set match against Australia’s Maya Jovit, 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2.

In a notable upset, French Open winner Mirra Andreeva was ousted by Canadian Leylah Fernandez in Toronto, marking a significant development in the women’s draw. The ongoing Masters tournaments in Montreal and Toronto continue to showcase rising talent and intense competition as players vie for crucial ranking points ahead of the late-season hard-court swing.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.