Brandon Nakashima vs Ben Shelton Prediction & Picks - ATP Toronto

Prediction published on 8/1/25, 5:26 PM  by Lou Aguila in ATP Toronto Picks

Will Ben Shelton preserve his immaculate record against Brandon Nakashima? Or will it be the latter who will taste victory for the first time in their head-to-head series.

Shelton and Nakashima face off for the fifth time in their career for a spot in the round of 16 at the 2025 Canadian Open.

Shelton earned his fourth win on North American hard court after finally solving the Adrian Mannarino puzzle 6-2 6-3. After going 0-2 in his first two matchup with the Frenchman, Shelton ensured he would not lose a third time to Mannarino as the big-serving American was all business on Wednesday. Shelton belted 16 aces and won 90 percent of his first serves to hold all his serves. He also scored 19 return points, leading to three breakpoint conversions.

Nakashima enhanced his 2025 hardcourt record to 13-8 after ousting Ethan Quinn 7-6(6) 6-4. Nakashima, a quarterfinalist at this year’s Washington Open, displayed nerves of steel to capture the first set via tiebreaker and then the killer instinct to close out Quinn in the next frame. Nakashima held 100 percent of his serves, securing 36 points off the first serve and 16 points off the second, on top of 13 aces.