Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz are poised to face off in the semifinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto, marking a significant moment in American tennis history. This matchup will be the first all-American semifinal at an ATP Masters 1000 event since 2010, when Mardy Fish defeated Andy Roddick in Cincinnati. The clash between Shelton and Fritz highlights a resurgence of American talent on the global stage.
Shelton’s breakthrough performance
Shelton secured his place in the semifinals with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory over Alex de Minaur. The 22-year-old fired 11 aces and showcased his ability to dominate long rallies, surprising many with his baseline consistency. This marks Shelton’s first appearance in a Masters 1000 semifinal, a milestone that reflects his rapid rise in the ATP rankings.
Fritz continues his strong season
Taylor Fritz advanced by defeating Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6(4), relying on his powerful serve and mental resilience. The 27-year-old hit 20 aces and overcame a tense moment while serving for the match, ultimately closing it out in a second-set tiebreak. Fritz is enjoying one of his best seasons, having reached the Wimbledon semifinals and now aiming for his third title of the year.
A clash of styles and generations
The semifinal promises an exciting contrast in styles and personalities. Fritz, known for his composed baseline play and experience, will face the explosive and unpredictable Shelton, whose aggressive approach and athleticism have made him a fan favorite. Though they’ve only met once before, their upcoming battle carries added weight given its historical significance.
American tennis on the rise
This all-American semifinal is more than just a matchup—it’s a signal of renewed strength in U.S. men’s tennis. With both players ranked in the top 10 and performing consistently at major tournaments, the future looks promising. Their meeting in Toronto is a reminder of the depth and potential of the next generation of American stars.
Fritz in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.4 (career-high), the American has a 36-13 record in 2025. The American is now competing in Cincinnati where he ousted
Taylor Fritz will face the world no.7 Ben Shelton in the semifinal. Their current record is 1-0 for Fritz.
The American has won 3 titles in 2025 in Australia, Stuttgart and Eastbourne.
Taylor won 12 titles in his career: 7 on hard courts and 5 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Shelton in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.7 (career-high), Shelton has managed to achieve an overall 30-16 record in 2025. Ben is currently playing in Cincinnati where he defeated
Ben Shelton will face the world no.4 Taylor Fritz in the semifinal. Their head to head is 1-0 for Fritz.
The American was the finalist in Munich (BMW Open).
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton squared off only once. Their record is 1-0 for Fritz.