Shelton advances to National Bank Open quarterfinals

Ben Shelton advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Montreal on Sunday, defeating rising Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 6-3, 7-6(3) to continue his title defense. The fifth-seeded American, who won his first Masters 1000 title at the same event in Toronto last year, is now the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw.

Shelton, ranked No. 10 in the world, overcame an early break in both sets to secure his ninth consecutive win at the tournament. He dominated with his serve, firing five aces and winning 71 percent of his first-serve points. The 23-year-old also showed strong net skills, winning 14 of 18 points at the net and hitting 26 winners.

Fonseca, the 19-year-old 23rd seed, put up a fight but struggled with consistency, committing three double faults and winning only 58 percent of his first-serve points. The match lasted one hour and 48 minutes, with Shelton pulling away decisively in the second-set tiebreak.

"It was a good day for me. I managed the match well," Shelton said after his previous round victory, a sentiment that applied to his performance against Fonseca as well. He broke back immediately after losing his opening service game and controlled...