Brilliant Ben Shelton joins tennis greats with Canadian Open title defence

The American only needed two sets to overcome fellow countryman Brandon Nakashima 6-3. 7-6(4) to clinch the title he won last year and notch up a fourth career title.

The 23-year-old earned his first break of serve against with a blistering return winner at 3-3 in the first set. Shelton dictated the tempo of the clash with a dominant serving display and consistently won the longer rallies, with his forehand in red-hot form.

Shelton didn't face a break point throughout the match and converted two of the four break points he earned.

"For me to play the way that I played this week to go through this draw speaks to the work I have been putting in," he said afterwards.

"It also speaks to my mental toughness, my ability to focus through everything that was going on this week. I couldn't be happier with the way I won this week. It was such a good display from me. The way that I moved on the court, the way I struck the ball, my serve and return. I thought I was versatile. I played all-court tennis. And I'm super happy with the way that the match turned out."

With the win, Shelton became the fourth man this century to successfully defend the Canadian title after Andy Murray (2009-10), Novak Djokovic (2011-12) and Rafael Nadal (2018-19).

Meanwhile, Nakashima revealed he still had one of the best weeks of his career despite the loss. The world number 22 was competing in just his second Masters-level final.

"I want to say thank you to my team for all the help and support throughout my whole career," he said.

"My dad, my mother, my brother, I really have to thank all of them for everything in my career. It really is one of the best weeks of my life."

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