Day eight in Montreal accomplished the quarter-final lineup, though the motion on court docket felt ridiculously sparse for an ATP Masters 1000.
With simply 4 singles matches and a handful of doubles contests scheduled throughout the whole website, ticket holders on the skin courts had little or no to observe, highlighting why expanded two-week Masters 1000s suck, particularly when the WTA occasion is being held in a distinct metropolis.
Off the court docket, there was extra vital information as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from subsequent week’s Cincinnati Open with a proper knee damage. The reigning Wimbledon champion says his focus is now on recovering in time for the US Open.
In Montreal, although, the highlight remained on the defending champion as Ben Shelton ended João Fonseca’s spectacular run, Daniel Mérida Aguilar continued his breakthrough, whereas Learner Tien and Jakub MenÅ¡Ãk accomplished a quarter-final lineup made up totally of gamers aged 25 or youthful.
Day Eight Nationwide Open 2026 Spherical of 16 Outcomes
Winner
Loser
Rating
Daniel Mérida Aguilar
Tallon Griekspoor
6-3, 6-1
(12) Learner Tien
Thiago AgustÃn Tirante
6-4, 6-4
(5) Ben Shelton
(22) João Fonseca
6-3, 7-6(3)
(13) Jakub MenÅ¡Ãk
Botic van de Zandschulp
6-4, 7-5
Key Match Recap
Ben Shelton def. João Fonseca 6-3, 7-6(3)
Ben Shelton received essentially the most anticipated match of the day, ending João Fonseca’s run with a straight-sets victory in troublesome, windy circumstances.
Fonseca truly began each units properly, breaking early within the opener after which shifting 3-0 forward within the second, however Shelton responded rapidly every time and was general the extra stable participant.
Fonseca blitzed loads of forehands, which look good on the highlights, however Shelton was the extra athletic of the 2 and the American’s capacity to take time away from Fonseca proved decisive, particularly along with his lefty forehand pulling the Brazilian away from his most popular forehand patterns.
The second set seemed as if it was going the best way of Fonseca till he appeared to tweak his proper ankle whereas chasing an overhead. He performed on with out calling the coach, however Shelton step by step regained management earlier than producing a wonderful tie-break to shut out the match.
Shelton received 78% of his first-serve factors and 14 of 18 factors at web, and his willingness to return ahead made an actual distinction.
He’s now 2-0 in opposition to Fonseca this season and, as the one Prime 10 participant left within the draw, stays the plain favorite to retain the title.
Daniel Mérida Aguilar def. Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 6-1
Daniel Mérida Aguilar’s breakthrough week continued along with his most dominant efficiency but, dismantling Tallon Griekspoor in simply 69 minutes.
Griekspoor had already taken out Alexander Zverev and Matteo Arnaldi, however he seemed bodily flat right here and by no means discovered the depth required.
Mérida took full benefit. The Spaniard was rock stable from the baseline, significantly off the backhand facet, and managed the match from the opening few video games.
He arrived in Montreal with no single tour-level hard-court win and now finds himself in his first Masters 1000 quarter-final.
Learner Tien def. Thiago AgustÃn Tirante 6-4, 6-4
Learner Tien continued his wonderful run by beating Thiago AgustÃn Tirante in two managed units.
The windy circumstances made clear ball-striking troublesome, however Tien is tremendous constant and dealt with them much better than his opponent, particularly on return.
The 20-year-old is now into his second Masters 1000 quarter-final of the season and turns into the youngest American man to succeed in the final eight in Canada since Andy Roddick in 2002. He’ll face Mérida subsequent.
Jakub MenÅ¡Ãk def. Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5
Jakub MenÅ¡Ãk ended Botic van de Zandschulp’s wonderful week with a composed straight-sets victory.
The Czech managed the opener properly, however the second set turned much more awkward, with Van de Zandschulp serving at 5-4 and looking out able to power a decider.
MenÅ¡Ãk responded although, reeling off three straight video games to shut out the match earlier than the Dutchman may construct any momentum.
It wasn’t MenÅ¡Ãk’s cleanest efficiency of the match, however he discovered his finest tennis when it mattered and he’ll face Shelton subsequent.
Highlights
Nationwide Financial institution Open 2026 Day 9 Quarterfinal Matches
(20) Rafael Jódar vs (18) Arthur Fils
(19) Luciano Darderi vs (28) Brandon Nakashima
