Shelton Breaks Mannarino Curse with Straight-Sets Win in Toronto

Ben Shelton finally ended his losing streak against Adrian Mannarino, securing a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory on Wednesday to book a spot in the third round of the ATP Toronto Masters.

Despite previously falling short in their past two encounters, the American fourth seed displayed tactical variety, especially on serve, to dispatch the experienced 37-year-old French qualifier in just 56 minutes.

“This win was huge for me. He’s a shotmaker, he can take the racquet out of your hands,” said Shelton.
“I’ve played well against him in the past but come up short. He can make things really difficult.”

Match Stats: Shelton vs Mannarino

Shelton twice broke Mannarino in the opening set and cruised to a 5-3 lead in the second. Although he double-faulted in the final game, he saved the break point before clinching the win with an ace and a service winner.

“He’s one of the great returners,” Shelton added.
“You have to hit your spots really well. I’m happy with how I played and how I varied my serves.”

Other Results from Toronto Masters

Andrey Rublev, last year’s finalist in Canada, earned his 250th career win on hard courts with a 6-2, 6-3 win over France’s Hugo Gaston. The sixth seed needed four match points and 86 minutes to progress.

Next Opponent: Lorenzo Sonego (Italy)

Lorenzo Sonego breezed past China’s Bu Yunchaokete, 6-1, 6-4, to set up his clash with Rublev.

Additional Matches

Italian Flavio Cobolli, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist, delivered four aces in the final game of a rain-interrupted battle to edge past Canadian Alexis Galarneau.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Gabriele Diallo delighted the home crowd with a solid straight-sets win over Italy’s Matteo Gigante, prevailing 6-3, 7-6 (7/5).