Defending champion Ben Shelton defeated fellow American Learner Tien 6-2, 6-3 in the semifinals on Wednesday night at IGA Stadium, according to Field Level Media and The Associated Press, advancing to the National Bank Open final in Montreal. Shelton will face 28th-seeded Brandon Nakashima in an all-American championship match on Thursday, following Nakashima’s 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory over 19-year-old Rafael Jodar of Spain.
Shelton and Nakashima Advance to Montreal Clash
According to Field Level Media, Shelton saved all four break points he faced while winning 81% of his first-serve points. The 23-year-old fifth seed finished with a 22-13 edge in winners, while Tien committed 30 unforced errors against Shelton’s 23. Shelton carries a 5-0 career head-to-head advantage into Thursday’s matchup against Nakashima, having previously edged his compatriot 6-7 (8), 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the round of 32 last year in Toronto, as reported by Field Level Media.
“Super happy with the performance,” Shelton said, according to The Associated Press. “Learner is a guy who presents me with a lot of problems in my game. A tough challenge to overcome. To get a win over him in the fashion that I did, I’m super pleased with that.”
Nakashima Navigates Tight Semifinal Against Jodar
Nakashima secured his spot in his first career ATP Masters 1000 final by overcoming Jodar in a closely contested opening semifinal. Field Level Media notes that Nakashima also won 81% of his first-serve points to dismiss the Spanish teenager. The final game of the match proved lengthy and tense, with Nakashima fighting off four break points before converting his third match point of that game and fifth overall. Nakashima finished the encounter with 28 winners and six aces, while Jodar contributed 21 winners and four aces in their first-ever meeting.
“It was crazy, the last few games were super tight,” Nakashima said, according to Field Level Media. “I knew I had to keep fighting and fight off a couple of break points, but luckily my serve hit the spots when I needed it to and super happy to get through that one.”
Did you know?
Ben Shelton enters the final holding three tournament titles this year—winning in Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart—while Brandon Nakashima’s lone prior tour title came in San Diego in 2022, according to reports by The Associated Press.
Rankings Movement and Tournament Context
Nakashima’s deep run in Montreal lifts him to No. 22 in the live rankings, guaranteeing a new career-best ranking later in the week regardless of the outcome against Shelton, according to Field Level Media. Jodar experienced a significant rise over the 2026 season, climbing from No. 165 up to No. 11 following a strong week that included victories over 11th-seeded Lorenzo Musetti, eighth-seeded Jiri Lehecka, and 18th-seeded Arthur Fils.
“It is a great feeling,” Nakashima said, as cited by Field Level Media. “It is a great time to be part of American tennis, so many guys doing well these days, so happy to be a part of it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is playing in the National Bank Open final?
Defending champion Ben Shelton will face Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final in Montreal.
How did Shelton and Nakashima reach the final?
Shelton defeated Learner Tien 6-2, 6-3, while Nakashima beat Rafael Jodar 7-6 (3), 6-4 in the semifinals.
What are the players’ previous tournament achievements?
Shelton owns six career victories, including titles this year in Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart. Nakashima won his lone prior tour title in 2022 in San Diego.
What are your predictions for the all-American final between Shelton and Nakashima? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more tennis updates.