"Unfortunately will be back in Toronto next year" - Ben Shelton turns boos into cheers after Canadian Open finalists offer contrasting speeches

Ben Shelton is the champion once more in Canada. He avoided any upsets that a number of the top players experienced to find the winning touch once more at the Canadian Open, this time in Montreal. Defeating fellow countryman Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 7-6(4), the pair exchanged words about Toronto which got the crowd's attention.

The Canadian Open is a very unique event. The Masters 1000 tournament is split between the two cities Montreal and Toronto. The ATP and WTA action are held separately in the different cities with them switching in alternate years.

This time round, the men have made a return to Montreal. Shelton won his maiden Masters 1000 title last year in Toronto and is now tasting gory for the first time in Montreal. The first player not named Jannik Sinner to win a Masters 1000 title in 2026, he has finally found some much needed form on the big stage with his Australian Open quarter-final run his best result in any of the top events.

He was too strong for Nakashima in the final who had some choice words to say when comparing Montreal and Toronto following the final defeat, favouring one of them much more than the other.

“I’m going to be honest…I enjoy it here in Montreal more than Toronto," he said in his speech. “Unfortunately will be back in Toronto next year but I really look forward to coming back here in 2 years."

This caused an uproar of cheering and support for the 25-year-old, who may not be the most popular man in Toronto next year. Shelton had some big boots to fill afterwards with the Montreal crowd expectant of more praise.

Shelton opted to share his love for Toronto. "I want to thank my team. It's crazy that we were here a year ago... well I guess in Toronto. I'm not going to say anything bad about Toronto. I love Toronto too."

The reception was not as charitable with a chorus of boos being rung around. Shelton, laughing as this went on, quickly got the crowd back on side. "But I love Montreal just as much." The atmosphere changed in a heartbeat, ending the 2026 Canadian Open on a humerous note.

Shelton was delighted to defend his title in a tournament he is becoming almost unbeatable in. Not dropping a set the entire tournament, he adds his name alongside Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in a prestigious group who have defended this specific title.

He began his speech by giving Nakashima his flowers in his first ever Masters 1000 final. "I wanna congratulate Brandon. First of all hell of a speech," he joked. "But seriously, to see the way you played this week, the way you’ve been playing.. I know people here may not have been tuned into DC last week. But to see the level you were playing there and to see the work you and your team have been putting in, your evolution as a player has been so cool. You are the future of American tennis. We all are. It’s so cool to be on this journey with you. Congrats on this week and good luck for the rest of the season.”

He was in awe of his family, making sure he gave a special mention to them. “The team I have around me is amazing… to my family, you guys have been there since the beginning," he stated. "Always supported me. My uncle, he’ll fly to Australia to see me. I don’t know how many uncles would do that. To my parents and Uncle Rick, I appreciate it. I love you guys.”

The 23-year-old was flowing with confidence after an unbelievable week of tennis. Finally back competing to the level he is capable of, it is a fourth ATP title of 2026 and a second on hardcourt. Unlike last year, he will be hoping to ride this crest onto bigger things.

"For me to play the way that I played this week to go through this draw speaks to the work I have been putting in. It also speaks to my mental toughness, my ability to focus through everything that was going on this week."

Up next is the Cincinnati Open. Shelton, the eighth seed, will face either Jaime Faria or Jenson Brooksby in the second round. Nakashima, also receiving a bye, will be up against the 2025 Canadian Open runner-up Karen Khachanov or Aleksandar Kovacevic.