The air in Canada, in both Toronto and Montreal, agrees with Ben Shelton who ironically on International Left-Handers Day used his powerful southpaw serve to win the National Bank Open for the second straight year.
Shelton played nearly flawless tennis to remain undefeated against Brandon Nakashima in six career matches. Nakashima, who is having an incredible summer, ran into a nearly perfect Shelton.
All of his shots were working, and he played his best tennis of the year in Montreal. He joins Jessica Pegula as recent American champions who won the tournament, which rotates from Toronto to Montreal every year, in back-to-back years in both cities.
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Shelton has improved his game, including his return of serve and net game. He is much more than just a big server which is what he is best known for.
Aug 13, 2026; Montreal, QC, Canada; Ben Shelton (USA) celebrates with his father Bryan Shelton and entourage after winning the singles final against Brandon Nakashima (USA) at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
He used last year’s win to have a great finish in Cincinnati but got injured at the US Open. Can he stay healthy and go further this year?
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Can American men sweep the North American tournaments?With Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz dealing with injuries, tennis fans have wondered who may step up. Taylor Fritz won the Mubadala DC Open. Shelton is the National Bank Open champion. Could it be an American sweep with a US champ in Cincinnati and more importantly at the US Open?
If not Shelton or Fritz, could it be Nakashima who has been consistently good since hiring Wayne Ferreira and making big runs at Queen’s Club, Washington, DC, and Montreal? Nakashima endeared himself with the Montreal fans telling them he loves playing there much more than in Toronto.
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