Ben Shelton explains what a lot of players on the ATP Tour get wrong about him after beating Alex de Minaur in Toronto

Ben Shelton has reached the semifinals of the Canadian Open with an impressive performance against Alex de Minaur.

This was a tough test for the American number two, as De Minaur entered their match having won his last eight matches.

The streak dates back to Washington D.C., where De Minaur won the Citi Open title for the first time in his career.

But his quest for the title in Toronto was brought to a halt by Ben Shelton, who claimed a 6-3, 6-4 victory in just 91 minutes.

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Ben Shelton thinks some of his ATP rivals see him as a player with just a big serve

Shelton defeated Alex De Minaur in their first ATP meeting in convincing fashion. The 22-year-old served 13 aces in his win over the Australian, who registered an uncharacteristic 28 unforced errors.

While the world number seven served impressively once again, he was very strong from the back of the court, as he hit eight forehand winners and won 32 points from the baseline, three more than De Minaur.

This prompted Shelton to suggest that because of his thunderous serve, some of his rivals forget the other facets of his game.

“For me I think a lot of guys see me as just a server. Someone who can serve and not as much of a baseliner or a grinder,” Shelton said post-match.

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“For me I think physiologically when I go into a match and go into lockdown mode and put a billion balls into the court, my normal rally ball does come with a good bit of weight. It’s not like I am just pushing it into the court. I think it surprises guys sometimes.

“For me, being able to win those longer rallies and be comfortable in my own skin out on court and not rushing to make something happen is a huge part of my evolution.”

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Ben Shelton is the youngest American Masters 1000 semifinalist since 2005

Shelton made history by reaching the Canadian Open semifinals.

Not only has he reached the last four at a Masters 1000 event for the first time, but he is the youngest American to achieve this feat since Andy Roddick in 2005.

Furthermore, Shelton set up a semi-final with compatriot Taylor Fritz, in what will be their second ATP meeting.

This will be the first All-American Masters 1000 semifinal since 2010, when Roddick played Mardy Fish at the Cincinnati Masters.

This will be the first Masters 1000 semi-final between two Americans at the Canadian Open since 1993, when Todd Martin beat Richey Reneberg.

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