Ben Shelton has become the top favorite at the Montreal Masters 1000 following the successive eliminations of Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and the withdrawal of Felix Auger-Aliassime. The defending champion, seeded sixth, is now the highest-ranked player remaining in a historically depleted draw.
Defending without pressure
The 23-year-old American launched his title defense with a solid 6-3, 7-5 second-round victory over Jenson Brooksby. When asked about the pressure of defending 1,000 ranking points, Shelton brushed it off: "I've never been somebody who worries too much about defending a title. It's just not in my nature." His stated goal remains to "play really good tennis heading into the US Open," not to chase rankings.
Last year in Montreal, Shelton captured the biggest title of his career by defeating Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Karen Khachanov in succession. This time, the context is radically different. The absences of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic, combined with recent surprise eliminations, have opened a path he did not anticipate.
A season of confirmation
Shelton's 2026 campaign confirms his place among tennis's elite. The World No. 10 has already claimed three titles this year, including two at ATP 500 level, a consistency that contrasts with the uneven stretches that marked his earlier years on tour. His quarterfinal run in Washington last week signals rising form at the ideal moment.
His game still revolves around a devastating serve and a forehand capable of turning any rally. But it is the tactical maturity that stands out most this season: fewer unnecessary shot-making attempts, more point construction, and significantly improved composure in key moments.
Competing while others rest
Shelton's scheduling speaks volumes about his mentality. While Sinner and Djokovic opted to skip Montreal and Alcaraz has not played competitively since April, the American is stacking tournaments. He emphasized his preference for match play over practice during this crucial stretch, with the US Open just weeks away.
This proactive approach could prove decisive. In a draw increasingly populated by outsiders, the defending champion's experience and confidence represent a significant advantage. Shelton knows IGA Stadium, knows the surface, knows Montreal's intensity. His 2026 resume features three titles, a recent quarterfinal in Washington, and 1,000 points to defend here. If his current form holds, the road to a second consecutive Canadian title has never looked more open.
