Toronto: Shelton and Fritz Dig Deep as American Grit Prevails
The top two American players, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, advanced to the quarter-finals of the Toronto Masters 1000 on Wednesday night after grinding through three-set battles.
Ben Shelton Toronto 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
The new wave of American tennis keeps rolling in Toronto. After Alex Michelsen‘s breakthrough earlier this week, headline acts Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz booked their spots in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night with hard-fought victories. It’s another strong showing from two Top 10 players who have consistently delivered on the ATP Tour this season.
Shelton: Rising to the Moment
Opening the night session against Flavio Cobolli, Shelton had to dig deep to come through (6-4, 3-6, 7-6[1]). After dominating the first set, the American lefty faltered in the second and was broken midway through the decider. But true to his combative nature, he clawed his way back and swept through a one-sided tiebreak to seal the win.
Tensions flared at the net after the match, with Cobolli criticizing Shelton’s vocal celebrations. But the 21-year-old, now into his second Masters 1000 quarter-final of the year, stayed focused on the positives: “It’s always special to fight like that and come through. These kinds of matches build character.”
Fritz: A Record-Breaking Run
Taylor Fritz followed with a dramatic win of his own, edging Jiri Lehecka in three tiebreaks (7-6 [3], 6-7 [5], 7-6 [5]). Neither player managed to convert a single break point, but Fritz’s composure in the pressure moments made the difference.
The American No.1 became the first U.S. player in history to reach the quarter-finals at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events since the series began in 1990. “It’s something I’m really proud of,” Fritz said in press. “I’ve been consistent, but I still feel like I can go further.”
Next Up: De Minaur for Shelton, Rublev for Fritz
Both Americans will face tough opposition next. Shelton takes on Alex de Minaur, who eliminated Frances Tiafoe, in a contrast of styles between the American’s explosive power and the Aussie’s relentless defense. Fritz will face last year’s finalist Andrey Rublev, who progressed after Davidovich Fokina retired mid-match. Expect fireworks in both quarter-final matchups.
