Ben Shelton bested Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the first round of the 2023 Canadian Open in Toronto to advance at the ATP 1000 event.
Over the past few weeks, the young American struggled with his form, but now, he has a chance to prove his qualities once again. Entering the 2023 Canadian Open, Shelton had nothing to lose, especially after he was projected to meet the world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz already in the second round.
But to set up that highly-anticipated meeting between the two youngsters, the 20-year-old had to beat experienced Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the first round of the 2023 Canadian Open, also called the National Bank Open.
It was a first meeting between the two on the ATP Tour, but it started surprisingly with multiple breaks of serve. The Spaniard kept a one-break advantage, but Shelton erased that in the last possible moment, when his opponent was serving for the set.
Eventually, the American got the opening set into a tie-break, and he dominated that. It was also thanks to his first serve, after which he won 87% of points in the first set, that Shelton was able to win the tie-break 7-1 and take the first set.
The second set, while not as neck-to-neck as the first, displayed Shelton's maturity on the court. He patiently built points, exploited Miralles' weaker backhand, and secured a pivotal break of serve. Serving for the match at 5-4, Shelton showcased an unwavering resolve, proving that the big stage didn’t faze him.
After an hour and 32 minutes, the youngster was able to win the match 7-6(1), 6-4, and set up a meeting that everyone waited for since the draw came out. The 2023 Australian Open quarterfinalist will meet the first-seeded Carlos Alcaraz.
Only a few weeks ago, Wimbledon Breakthrough Award winner Christopher Eubanks said that no one wants to see Shelton's name next to theirs in the draw, not even Carlos Alcaraz. Now, the American will get a chance to prove that Eubanks' statement was correct.
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