ATP Montreal Day 8 Predictions Including Fonseca vs Shelton

The National Bank Open has produced plenty of surprises at ATP Montreal, with several seeded players already eliminated and a fascinating group of contenders remaining in the draw. The final set of Round of 16 matches will play on Sunday and features a mixture of established players, emerging stars, and unexpected quarterfinal hopefuls as they continue their preparations for the US Open.

As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?

ATP Montreal Day 8 Predictions

Tallon Griekspoor vs Daniel Merida Aguilar

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Griekspoor arrives with genuine momentum after one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, toppling top seed Alexander Zverev before following it up with a composed three-set win over Matteo Arnaldi. The Dutchman has always possessed the weapons to trouble elite players on hard courts—flat, penetrating groundstrokes and a solid first serve—and this week those tools have clicked at the right time.

Merida, meanwhile, continues an impressive breakthrough run. The young Spaniard has already beaten Ugo Humbert and Alex Michelsen, producing his best Masters 1000 result to date and virtually locking a Top 50 ranking. His movement, consistency from the baseline, and growing confidence on hard courts make him a dangerous opponent who will not gift free points.

Griekspoor’s experience in big matches and ability to dictate with pace should give him the edge, but Merida’s current form means this will not be straightforward. Expect the Spaniard to force long rallies and test the Dutchman’s patience before Griekspoor’s heavier ball eventually tells.

Prediction: Griekspoor in 2

Learner Tien vs Thiago Agustin Tirante

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Tien has looked sharp and composed at ATP Montreal, navigating a tricky second-round win over Gaël Monfils and then dismissing Tommy Paul in straight sets. The young American left-hander blends clean ball-striking with excellent court coverage and an improving serve, attributes that travel particularly well on hard courts.

Tirante has been the story of the lower half after stunning Taylor Fritz and then disposing of Alexei Popyrin. The Argentine’s heavy serve and aggressive baseline game have carried him further than expected, and his confidence is clearly high.

This shapes up as a classic clash of styles and experience levels. Tien’s variety and ability to change direction should allow him to disrupt Tirante’s rhythm, while the Argentine will look to land the first strike and keep points short. Tien’s higher ranking and steadier recent body of work make him the slight favourite, though Tirante’s serving can keep any match tight.

Prediction: Tien in 2

Botic van de Zandschulp vs Jakub Mensik

Head-to-Head: First meeting

Van de Zandschulp has produced two of the more notable results of the week at ATP Montreal, first upsetting Daniil Medvedev and then recovering from a set down to eliminate Hubert Hurkacz. The Dutchman’s flat hitting and willingness to take the ball early have been effective on these courts, and he enters the Round of 16 with genuine belief.

Mensik, the higher seed, has advanced more quietly but efficiently, most recently beating Terence Atmane. The young Czech already possesses a big serve and powerful forehand that can overwhelm opponents when he finds rhythm, and his athletic frame allows him to cover the court well.

Van de Zandschul exudes the confidence of a player on a run, yet Mensik’s cleaner weapons and higher ceiling on a fast hard court should prove decisive over the longer haul. If the Czech can neutralise the Dutchman’s early aggression and impose his own pace, he should progress.

Prediction: Mensik in 3

Joao Fonseca vs Ben Shelton

Head-to-Head: Shelton1-0 Fonseca

Fonseca continues his rapid ascent with another high-quality win, this time over Casper Ruud in straight sets, his second victory against the Norwegian this season. The Brazilian teenager’s fearless ball-striking, improved serve, and competitive maturity have been on full display at ATP Montreal.

Shelton, the defending champion and highest seed remaining, looked every bit the title contender in a dominant win over Zizou Bergs. The American’s lefty serve, explosive athleticism, and comfort in these conditions remain formidable assets, and he already holds a prior victory over Fonseca from Munich earlier this year.

Fonseca will arrive with nothing to lose and the confidence of recent big wins. Still, Shelton’s superior experience at this level, proven hard-court pedigree, and ability to raise his intensity in decisive moments should carry him through. Expect the Brazilian to push hard early before the American’s power and serving edge take control.

Prediction: Shelton in 3

Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster – Imagn Images