Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima Make All-American History
Locker Room
August 13, 2026
Ben Shelton will defend his crown in Montreal in the coming hours – but he has already become part of tennis history!
Brandon Nakashima downed the young Spanish sensation, Rafael Jodar to join Shelton in the showpiece.
And that makes it the first all-American Masters 1000 final since 2003, when Andy Roddick beat Mardy Fish!
You have to go back to 1995 and Andre Agassi’s victory over Pete Sampras for the last all-American men’s final in Canada.
Ben Shelton is just the kind of American who could make history at Wimbledon 2027 too, when the time comes!
No one expected the 2025 quarter-finalist to flunk the way he did at Wimbledon this year – particularly after winning Stuttgart on grass so recently.
But upsets happen to all the greatest players. Ben Shelton is still only 23 – and he has the superstar quality to challenge the champions at Wimbledon 2027.
For the moment, all eyes are on Montreal. Shelton has beaten Nakashima in all five of their previous matches. He starts the final as the hot favourite.
The way Ben disposed of compatriot Learner Tien for the first time in a 6-2, 6-3 semi-final romp was truly impressive.
But there was something equalling startling about the nerveless, laser-focused display Brandon Nakashima produced to thwart Spanish hot-shot Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7-3), 6-4.
And although the first set was close, Nakashima was always the better player, right from the start. Somehow he always seemed more likely to win through and face Shelton in the big one.
Ben Shelton and Brandon Nakashima could conjure a final match-up fit for its historic billing in Canada!
And Coco Gauff had looked set for a place in the women’s final over in Toronto too. But former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina eventually overwhelmed her 5-7, 6-2, 6-2.
Rybakina will face Iga Swiatek in the big showdown – two Wimbledon champions with all the ability in the world.
Come and see superstars like Ben Shelton, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff at Wimbledon 2027!
You can already view our Wimbledon Debenture Holders prices for each and every day of the 2027 Championships by clicking here.
Your debenture tickets will grant you access to exclusive restaurants and bars at the All England Club. You’ll definitely be in with the in-crowd!