​Aug 11, 2026; Montreal, QC, Canada; Ben Shelton (USA) reacts after his quarterfinal win against Jakub Mensik (CZE) at IGA Stadium. © David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesBen Shelton is now just two wins away from successfully defending his title at the Canadian Open. Following his dominant quarterfinal victory, the American opened up about his mindset regarding his campaign, while a question involving Jessica Pegula caught him completely off guard.Ben Shelton Reacts to ‘Crazy Question’ About His and Jessica Pegula’s Canadian Open SuccessNo. 5 seed Shelton has yet to lose a set during his campaign at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montréal, cruising past Jenson Brooksby, Zizou Bergs, and João Fonseca to reach the quarterfinals in dominant fashion.The American produced another commanding performance against Jakub Menšík, securing a 6-3, 6-1 victory to book a spot in the semifinals and move one step closer to winning his fourth title of the season.During his post-match press conference, Shelton was asked about the success he and two-time champion Jessica Pegula have enjoyed at the Canadian Open, with the reporter questioning whether they were taking over the country.“Jess Pegula had a lot of success here. You won last year. Being in the semis, are you guys taking over the country? Like are you winning all our tournaments now?” the reporter asked.The world No. 10 was taken aback by the “crazy statement” and was quick to reject the notion. However, he was also sure to acknowledge Pegula as a formidable player and a strong contender at the upcoming US Open.“I wouldn’t say that at all. That’s a crazy statement. Super happy for her, good friend, and I think that she’s one of the most dangerous hard court players, 100 percent year in, year out. Always a contender at the US Open. But, yeah, that’s a crazy question,” Shelton responded.Looking ahead to his semifinal clash, Shelton denied viewing it as a situation where he had a target on his back and instead focused on the improvements he had made with each successive match.“I don’t think I’m really looking at it at all from that perspective. I think that there’s so much more to gain being here,” he said.“Obviously I think that my tennis has gotten better and better with each match that I’ve played, and that’s the coolest thing about these events is you have the opportunity to run with, to continue to build on your game and improve night in, night out,” he added.MORE:‘Alcaraz and Djokovic Do This Too’ – Tennis World Defends Ben Shelton Amid Backlash Over Montréal ‘Demand’Ben Shelton is set to lock horns with fellow American and No. 12 seed Learner Tien in the semifinals of the Canadian Open. With a place in the final at stake, Shelton will have his work cut out for him, as Tien holds a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head record, including a 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3 victory in their meeting at the Indian Wells Masters earlier this season.Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula failed to g