It’s title day at the Canadian Open, and we will not have the expected Shelton-Jodar final, instead it’s the impressive form of Nakashima that will be up against the favorite for the Montreal title, Ben Shelton. For the first time in over 20 years, we have an all-American final in a Masters 1000 event.
Here’s a quick preview for today’s final, Ben Shelton vs. Brandon Nakashima, with our predictions and best bets.
Ben Shelton vs Brandon Nakashima
Shelton is in the form of his life and he has has been the standout player this week, cruising past Tien 6-2, 6-3 in the semis to reach the championship match without dropping a single set all tournament. That win also avenged his two previous losses to Tien, and he arrives unbeaten in finals this season with titles in Dallas, Munich and Stuttgart.
Nakashima’s route has been quieter but every bit as impressive. He backed up a win over Darderi with a composed 7-6(3), 6-4 victory over the in-form Rafa Jodar in the semis, saving four break points while serving for the match and eventually closing it out on his fifth match point. It’s the biggest final of his career by some distance, well above his previous ATP 250 level ceiling, and he’s up to a career-high ranking regardless of today’s result.
Shelton holds a commanding 5-0 head-to-head lead, with four of those wins coming on outdoor hard courts, which is about as clear an edge as you’ll find in a Masters 1000 final. Their last meeting was at the Round of 32 here in Canada last year: 6-7(8), 6-2., 7-6(5)
Predictions and best bets
Shelton has looked like the best player in the draw from round one, and with the perfect head-to-head and a title defense on the line, he’s the deserved favorite here. Nakashima’s smart tennis game, good serves and clean ball-striking will give him a chance and he has showed he can deal with most player types this week. I predict he will get a set today but Shelton to defend his title in Canada.
My bet: Shelton to win in three sets at good odds 3.40 or +240.
