Three American players have reached the semifinals of the ATP Montreal Masters, a notable performance that has made them the story of the tournament. Among them, Ben Shelton and Learner Tien are scheduled to compete in a highly anticipated semifinal match.
Shelton, who is the sole semifinalist with a Masters title to his name, enters the match as a favorite. His game is characterized by a powerful serve that can dominate opponents, often requiring him to create only one or two break opportunities to secure a victory. "He can blast you off the court with his serve," the New York Post noted.
Conversely, Tien's serve may not match Shelton's power, but the 20-year-old is described as "dynamite on return." He ranks among the top players in percentage of return games won this season, indicating he is well-equipped to handle Shelton's strong serve. Tien has a proven track record against Shelton, having won both of their previous meetings, including a hard court match at the Miami Masters earlier this season.
The conditions in Montreal are also noted as potentially favoring Tien, as the hard courts are somewhat slower than typical North American courts, which could aid him in his matchup against Shelton's powerful shots.
Despite Shelton's experience and formidable serve, Tien presents a significant challenge. The New York Post suggested that if Tien can establish rallies, he possesses multiple avenues to secure an upset victory. The publication recommended betting on Learner Tien to win the match, citing his past success against Shelton and favorable court conditions.