Alcaraz Beats Competitive Shelton In Toronto Opener

Carlos Alcaraz survived a competitive battle with Ben Shelton Wednesday night in Toronto in his first outing since winning Wimbledon, fending off his fellow #NextGenATP star to reach the third round of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers.

With Shelton committed to an aggressive gameplan and the top-seeded Spaniard making more errors than normal, little separated the players for the majority of the match, save for one break of serve in the fourth game.

That was the last break point Alcaraz would earn, but he ultimately claimed a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory to extend his winning streak to 13 matches, dating back to his title run at Queen’s.

Alcaraz, who counts ATP Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid among his six titles this season, improved to 18-2 at the Masters 1000 level this season. He is looking for his fifth title at this level.

Alcaraz next faces big-serving Pole Hubert Hurkacz, who rallied from a set down to defeat Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0, firing 25 aces in the process.

More to follow…