Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton shared a warm hug after their match against each other at the National Bank Canadian Open in Toronto.

The two young players endured a difficult match at the ATP Masters 1000 event, where they played each other for the first time. Alcaraz started out strongly, saving three break points in the opening set before breaking Shelton in the fourth game. This combined with three aces meant the 20-year-old secured the first set fairly easily.

However, Shelton fought back in the second set, taking it to a tiebreak. Nevertheless, Alcaraz proved why he is world No. 1 by ultimately emerging victorious in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(3).

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Alcaraz and Shelton's warm hug at net

Immediately after the match, the two players' good sportsmanship was on display as they met at the net, where the Spaniard and American shared a handshake and a warm hug.

They went on to exchange some words, although it is unclear exactly what was said under the noise of the crowd, before walking over to shake the chair umpire's hand.

Afterwards, Alcaraz admitted that the match had not been easy for him.

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"I tried to play my level but it wasn't easy. He was more aggressive than me from the beginning to the last ball. I tried to be solid and to get my rhythm and I'm really happy to be through to have an opportunity in the next round. This match will help me to be more focussed in the next round," he said.

Alcaraz will face fifteenth seed Hubert Hurkacz in the Round of 16.

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1 match in Toronto = 1 win in Toronto 🤝 #NBO23 @carlosalcaraz

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