Alexander Bublik almost creates a once-in-a-lifetime shot against Ben Shelton on match point at the National Bank Open

Ben Shelton and Alexander Bublik will be featuring together in men's doubles at the National Bank Open later in the day.

Alexander Bublik almost creates a once-in-a-lifetime shot against Ben Shelton on match point at the National Bank Open

Ben Shelton and Alexander Bublik at the National Bank Open (via Imago/X)

In a doubles partners’ duel, Ben Shelton triumphed over Alexander Bublik in straight sets, winning 7-6, 6-2. This victory followed his recent good form, having reached the semifinals in Washington last week.

However, the match’s highlight was not just Shelton’s win. A rare moment on the court stole the spotlight. Both Shelton and Bublik’s reactions were priceless. On match point, Bublik threw his racket on the ground in an attempt to return the ball. Surprisingly, the ball bounced off the racket and went over the net, but it wasn’t counted.

This unusual ending left everyone in awe. The ATP called it “the best shot that never counted” on social media. Both players laughed and hugged after the incident, with Shelton receiving all the cheers.

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Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul progress at the National Bank Open

American players had a strong start at the men’s National Bank Open tennis tournament. Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton both secured wins in the first round on Wednesday (August 7).

Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton (via Imago)

Paul, seeded 10th in Montreal, hit nine aces to beat Italy’s Luciano Darderi 6-4, 7-6 (2). This is his first tournament since he won the men’s doubles bronze with Taylor Fritz at the Paris Olympics. Paul’s next match will be against the winner between Denis Shapovalov and Brandon Nakashima.

Shelton, who was considered part of the ‘Anti Olympics tribe’ by Sam Querrey, came back from a break down in the first set to defeat Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik 7-6 (4), 6-2. The 11th seed will next play either Tomas Machac from Czechia or Alexei Popyrin from Australia.

Later on Wednesday, Felix Auger-Aliassime, seeded 14th from Montreal, was set to play Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. Vasek Pospisil from Vernon, B.C., was to face American Sebastian Korda. Wild cards Liam Draxl and Benjamin Sigouin were scheduled to play German duo Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in men’s doubles.

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