Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton first crossed paths on the ATP Tour in 2023 at Indian Wells. It was a second-round match that saw Fritz rally from a set down to defeat Shelton 4–6, 6–4, 6–3. At the time, Shelton was still emerging on the professional scene, while Fritz was already a top-ranked American with a Masters 1000 title under his belt from the same venue in 2022.
Their clash in California was marked by powerful serving and aggressive baseline exchanges. Fritz’s experience and composure under pressure helped him edge past Shelton, who showcased flashes of brilliance and athleticism that hinted at his future potential.
Rising Stars Meet Again in Toronto
Fast forward to August 2025, and the two Americans are set to face off once more—this time in the semifinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto. Both players have made significant strides since their last meeting. Fritz, now ranked No. 4 in the world, has added titles on grass and hard courts, including triumphs in Stuttgart and Eastbourne. Shelton, ranked No. 7, has reached his first Masters 1000 semifinal and is the youngest American to do so since Andy Roddick in 2005.
Shelton earned his spot by defeating Alex de Minaur in straight sets, while Fritz overcame Andrey Rublev with a dominant serving performance, firing 20 aces. Their upcoming match marks a rare all-American semifinal at a Masters 1000 event—only the fourth since 2000.
A New Chapter in American Tennis
This semifinal is more than just a rematch; it’s a reflection of the resurgence of American men’s tennis. With top stars like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic skipping the tournament, the spotlight is firmly on Fritz and Shelton. Both players bring contrasting styles—Fritz with his calculated aggression and Shelton with his explosive athleticism and evolving baseline game.
Shelton has expressed excitement about facing Fritz again, calling him a “big-match player” and acknowledging their friendship off the court. Fritz, meanwhile, enters the match with confidence and a track record of thriving under pressure.
Their meeting in Toronto promises to be a showcase of talent, grit, and the growing depth of American tennis.
Fritz in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.4 (career-high), Taylor has a compiled 36-13 match record in 2025. Taylor is participating in Cincinnati where he conquered
Taylor Fritz will face the world no.7 Ben Shelton in the semifinal on Wednesday at 9:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their current record is 1-0 for Fritz.
Taylor conquered 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
LLLLWWWLWL Currently the world no.7 (career-high), Ben has managed to achieve an overall 30-16 win-loss record in 2025. Ben is now competing in Cincinnati where he overcame
Ben Shelton will face the world no.4 Taylor Fritz in the semifinal on Wednesday at 9:00 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their actual record is 1-0 for Fritz.
Shelton was the runner-up in Munich (BMW Open).
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton clashed against each other only on 1 occasion. Their current record is 1-0 for Fritz.
