The 23-year-old American made it four straight-sets wins in as many matches at this year\u2019s edition of the Canadian ATP Masters 1000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shelton powered 18 winners, three unforced errors and 89 percent first-serve points won. He didn\u2019t face a break point and even unleashed a 147 mph serve. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt felt great,\u201d said Shelton. \u201cI was very happy with my return game. The way that I played from the ground, from point one, for me, that\u2019s where I want to be at. I think the level I maintained throughout the match was really high. I\u2019m super happy with my performance. Hope to continue to build on this in the semis.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The only Top-10 player remaining in the Montreal draw, Shelton will take on 12th-seeded American Learner Tien. Tien leads 2-0 in the pair's rivalry, having defeated Shelton earlier this year in the second round at Indian Wells.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tien registered a 6-3, 6-2 victory against Daniel Merida. With his one-hour, 12-minute victory, the 20-year-old advanced to his first Masters 1000 semi-final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The only Top-10 player remaining in the Montreal draw, Shelton will take on 12th-seeded American Learner Tien. Tien leads 2-0 in the pair's rivalry, having defeated Shelton earlier this year in the second round at Indian Wells.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"No matter how Ben is feeling, he is going to serve well,\" Tien said about playing Shelton. \"He is going to hit a big ball off the baseline. He is playing with a lot of confidence right now. I saw him play earlier today. He is playing very, very well.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n