Defending champion Ben Shelton of United States defeated Zizou Bergs of Belgium to succeed in the fourth spherical of the ATP Montreal Masters hardcourt match. Photograph: AFP
MONTREAL:
Ben Shelton threw down eight aces and produced three love video games within the second set in dominating Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-2 on Friday in reaching the fourth spherical of the ATP Montreal Masters.
Fifth seed Shelton, highest-ranked man remaining in a severely depleted area, improved his likelihood for a second straight title in Canada with the rout in 65 minutes.
The American profitted from foot faults and double-faults from his Belgian opponent in advancing to a spherical of 16 for the primary time this season.
“It was a superb day for me, I managed the match nicely,” mentioned 23-year-old Shelton. “He got here out serving extraordinarily nicely. I needed to make some changes.
“I discovered a strategy to break his serve and stored the foot on the gasoline once I obtained the lead.”
Shelton play for a repeat spot within the final eight when he faces Brazilian teenager Joao Fonesca, who defeated ninth seed Casper Ruud 7-6 (8/6), 6-3.
Fonseca recovered after a gradual begin, trailing the Norwegian 4-2 earlier than combating his approach again into competition.
The teenager completed off the win after main 5-2, claiming victory on a second match level winner into the empty court docket.
“It was not straightforward at the beginning. He was serving nicely,” the Brazilian mentioned. “I fought to lastly get the win.”
Fonseca mentioned he discovered a lot after beating Ruud at Roland Garros: “Enjoying with the large guys this 12 months was actually vital for my growth.
In terms of Shelton, Fonseca mentioned, “I feel I will be ready. He is a pleasant man. I need not say how good he’s on court docket. I am simply making an attempt to relaxation and be ready.”
Tallon Griekspoor adopted up his defeat of top-seeded Roland Garros champion Alexander Zverev, with the Dutchman gaining late momentum and getting by a tough patch for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Matteo Arnakdi.
The Italian French Open semi-finalist took early command earlier than Griekspoor took motivation by participant field directions from Swedish coach Thomas Hogstedt and turned the match on its head.
– ‘I am happy’ –
World quantity 66 Griekspoor went up two breaks within the deciding set in opposition to the 2024 Canadian semi-finalist, misplaced considered one of them however broke again for victory in his third match level after greater than two hours.
“Tennis is such a tough sport. It is by no means over till the final ball is hit,” Griekspoor mentioned. “I attempted to remain targeted, I am proud of how I managed.
“I’ve had a superb stage in follow however was not in a position to convert it to the match court docket. Right this moment was not straightforward however I am happy after a win like this.
“I used to be removed from my finest however I am glad I performed myself into the match to win it.”
Griekspoor will bid for a quarter-final place when he takes on Spaniard Daniel Merida, who put out Alex Michelsen 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, saving two match factors within the second set for the American.
Merida, who had by no means gained a tour-level hardcourt match previous to this week, arrived in Canada after successful the Umag title on clay in Croatia final month.
Czech Jakub Mensik superior previous Terence Atmane 7-5 6-4, successful back-to-back matches for the primary time since reaching the semis two months in the past in Paris to interrupt recent floor in Canada.
He’ll subsequent play Botic Van De Zandschulp, who beat Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-5.
