Ben Shelton delivered one of the strongest performances of his career on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, defeating World No. 8 Alex de Minaur in straight sets at the National Bank Open in Toronto. The 22-year-old American sealed a 7–5, 6–3 victory, booking his place in the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 event. The match, held on Centre Court, saw Shelton overpower his Australian opponent with a blend of aggressive baseline play and a booming left-handed serve. The win marks Shelton's second victory over a top 10 player this season and adds to a growing list of achievements in his breakthrough year.
Dominant Display in a Crucial Match
Shelton struck 10 aces and won 82 percent of his first‑serve points during the match, maintaining control from the start. After edging a tight first set 7–5, the American broke early in the second and never looked back, closing out the match in just over 90 minutes.
De Minaur struggled to keep up with Shelton's pace, particularly in the longer rallies, committing 28 unforced errors at key moments. Shelton, by contrast, stayed composed throughout, converting 3 of 4 break points and keeping his own serve tight.
First career Masters 1000 Semi-Final ✅
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 6, 2025
Ben Shelton reaches new territory as he defeats the in form Alex de Minaur 6-3 6-4 ⭐#NBO25 pic.twitter.com/1FW8io1iaD
As reported by The New York Post, oddsmakers initially favoured de Minaur in the betting markets despite his eventual loss, largely due to Shelton's heavier recent court time and de Minaur's perceived fitness advantage after a lighter schedule in earlier rounds.
Ranking Boost and Rising Momentum
Following the win, Shelton is expected to retain or improve his current ATP ranking of World No. 7, already placing him ahead of fellow Americans Taylor Fritz (No. 10) and Frances Tiafoe (No. 15). The victory also marks Shelton's 101st tour‑level win and further cements his status as one of the ATP Tour's most dangerous young players.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Shelton boasts a winning percentage above 71 per cent at Grand Slam events, compared to just 51 per cent at Masters‑1000 tournaments, highlighting his flair for the sport's biggest stages.
Has Shelton Surpassed His American Peers?
With his current form and ranking, many analysts are now questioning whether Shelton has emerged as the top American hope on the ATP Tour. Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe have long held that status, but recent results suggest a shift may be occurring.
Shelton's superior Grand Slam record in 2025 and consistent performances at Masters 1000 events place him ahead in both form and ATP points. His explosive style and ability to handle pressure on big stages have also made him a fan favourite in North America.
Next Challenge: Toronto Semi-final Clash
Ben Shelton will now face Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals of the National Bank Open in Toronto, setting up a high-stakes all-American clash. Fritz advanced after defeating Andrey Rublev in his own quarter-final matchup, marking his best run at a Masters 1000 event this season.
With the US Open on the horizon, Shelton's current run in Toronto may be the most compelling evidence yet that he has become America's top hope in men's tennis. A victory over Fritz would not only put Shelton in his first Masters 1000 final but could also signal a generational shift in U.S. tennis dominance, as he continues to rise.
