Breaking the Curse: Ben Shelton Finally Ends Adrian Mannarino Jinx at Toronto Masters 2025
In a long-awaited breakthrough, rising American star Ben Shelton finally snapped his losing streak against French veteran Adrian Mannarino at the Toronto Masters 2025, claiming a thrilling win that marks a significant psychological and professional milestone in his career. The hard-fought victory, achieved in a gripping three-set encounter, not only propelled Shelton into the next round but also ended what had become a mini-mental block for the 21-year-old talent.
A Rivalry Tilting One Way—Until Now
Heading into the match, Mannarino held a perfect record against Shelton. The seasoned Frenchman, known for his unorthodox lefty style and flat groundstrokes, had previously defeated Shelton in all three of their past meetings, often frustrating the American with his composure and tactical play.
But this time, in the charged atmosphere of the Toronto Centre Court, Shelton flipped the script, displaying a blend of maturity, power, and mental resilience.
The Turning Point: Mental Shift, Tactical Brilliance
The match began in familiar fashion, with Mannarino taking the first set 7-5, capitalizing on Shelton’s early nerves and a few untimely double faults. However, instead of crumbling—as he had in the past—Shelton regrouped, adjusted his return positioning, and began to dictate with his serve and forehand.
The second set saw a much more composed version of Shelton, who upped his first serve percentage and stayed patient during long rallies. He claimed it 6-3, breaking Mannarino’s rhythm and belief.
In the deciding set, the momentum was firmly on Shelton’s side. He fired 11 aces, maintained aggression on second-serve returns, and sealed the match 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, raising his arms in jubilation as the crowd erupted.
“This one means a lot,” Shelton said courtside. “I’ve always respected Adrian’s game. He’s had my number in the past, but today, I stayed present and trusted my training.”
Tactical Maturity on Display
Shelton’s transformation over the past year has been evident, but this win particularly stood out for his strategic discipline. He resisted the temptation to go for low-percentage shots, instead constructing points and exposing Mannarino’s movement.
Key improvements:
- Backhand slice depth to neutralize Mannarino’s flat shots
- Serve variation to prevent predictable patterns
- Calm demeanor under pressure, especially in tight service games
His ability to adapt mid-match showcased not just physical prowess but also a growing tennis IQ, crucial for success at the elite level.
A Boost for American Tennis
Shelton’s victory is more than just personal redemption—it’s a boost for American men’s tennis, which has been seeking a consistent presence in the upper echelons of the ATP Tour. With players like Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe already established, Shelton’s rise adds depth and dynamism to the U.S. roster.
Tennis legend Andy Roddick, who has been vocal in his support of Shelton, tweeted post-match:
“Ben finally breaks through! Told y’all this kid’s got the fight and the fire. That was a grown-up win.”
What’s Next in Toronto?
With this emotional win under his belt, Shelton advances to the Round of 16, where he is set to face a higher-seeded opponent—possibly a Top 10 player. If his current form and focus continue, Shelton could be eyeing his first Masters semifinal appearance.
But for now, the victory over Mannarino is one to savor—a monkey off his back and a sign that the next-gen American is ready to rewrite his story.
More Than Just a Win
Ben Shelton’s triumph over Adrian Mannarino in Toronto wasn’t just about numbers on a scoreboard. It was about growth, grit, and getting over the hump that had loomed large for too long.
He may have won ATP titles and thrilled crowds with his athleticism, but this was a win of the mind as much as the body—and possibly a signal that Ben Shelton is no longer just a rising star, but a contender with the heart of a champion.
From haunted to heroic—Toronto witnessed the moment Ben Shelton broke free.
