Jim Courier Sends Ben Shelton Warning About Novak Djokovic Despite Alcaraz & Sinner Missing Cincinnati Open

Tennis legend Jim Courier believes that the defending Canadian Open champion Ben Shelton has all the momentum necessary to tear through Cincinnati, but has also warned the American to watch out as the Serbian legend Novak Djokovic is also part of the draw.

According to Courier, Shelton’s road to the Cincinnati title has become way easier with the withdrawal of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. However, the former world No. 1 believes that Djokovic is the player Shelton might not want to face in the draw.

Sitting alongside Jason Goodall, Courier made it clear that Shelton is his favorite to win the Cincinnati Open, despite the looming fear that the American might face a tough test if he crosses paths with Djokovic.

For Djokovic, the Cincinnati Open is his first competitive appearance after losing to Jannik Sinner in the semifinal of Wimbledon last month.

Ben Shelton’s Six-Round Journey to Canadian Title Defense

Ben Shelton went through six rounds before becoming the fourth player this century to have defended his Canadian Open singles title.

Three out of six rounds were all-American clashes, including the first round, where Shelton beat fellow countryman Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 7-5.

The World No. 10 then ousted Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-2, before defeating rising star Joao Fonseca in the third round 6-3, 7-6(3).

Next up, it was Jakub Mensik who faced the wrath of Shelton in the quarterfinal, ultimately falling in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1.

Shelton then geared up for his second All-American clash in Montreal against Learner Tien and successfully managed to overwhelm the 20-year-old in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, to set another All-American clash against Brandon Nakashima in the final. Shelton took control of the match for the most part, and despite Nakashima having eight aces, fell to Shelton 6-3, 7-6(4).

Shelton won the Canadian Open without dropping a set and will now face Jaime Faria in the first round of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday.

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