2024 National Bank Open Montreal Players: Youth must be served

After the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, the two newly minted luminaries have taken up the monumental tennis torch and secured five Slams between them, including three in 2024. 

While the current No.1 and No.3 deserve all the attention they’re getting, they aren’t the only stars of their generation in the tennis stratosphere. Allow us to introduce you to a few good men who’ve got their eyes on the prize.

BEN SHELTON

The past few years have been a struggle for American tennis, and Uncle Sam’s been looking despondent with no one to follow in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and Andy Roddick.

Enter 21-year-old Ben Shelton, who’s determined to restore US tennis to its former glory with his incredible serve and devastating forehand.

Two years ago, he was No. 1 in the USTA rankings. The former member of the Florida Gators got his pro career off to a biting start with a semifinal berth at the 2023 US Open.

We all know who the 6’4” lefty gets his skills from, since his father Bryan is a former pro and the former head coach of the Gators men’s tennis team.

So far, Ben’s claimed two ATP titles and posted wins over Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud. When his serve is working for him, he can move mountains. 

HOLGER RUNE

Not many 21-year-olds have a Masters 1000 crown in their trophy case, but Holger Rune does. And he earned it with a win over none other than Novak Djokovic at the 2022 Rolex Paris Masters. His second Masters final in Monaco the following year propelled him to World No.4, made him the talk of the ATP Tour and put him at the top of the shortlist of future great champions. His four titles (Stockholm, Munich (2) and Paris) only served to consolidate his status.

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Even so, the fiery Dane, who was pegged as the next member of the Top 3, hasn’t had it easy this season. Despite all his versatility, he’s had to fight to stay in the Top 20 and has been making errors we aren’t used to seeing from him. But he’s still young and can certainly turn things around.

SEBASTIAN KORDA

The son of AO champion and RG finalist Petr Korda, Sebastian’s got what it takes to rival the best players of his generation. The 6’4” righthander would surely like to be as successful as his sister Nelly, the current No.1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf rankings and winner of 14 LPGA Tour titles.

As it stands, Korda the younger has one winner’s trophy: the Emilia-Romagna Open. Still, on a good day, he’s a real threat to the global elite.

LORENZO MUSETTI

Ready to step out of the shadow of his countryman Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old righthander is determined to demonstrate his abilities. Case in point is his recent Wimbledon semi. The champion in Hamburg and Naples, Musetti is just as capable of sustaining an interminable rally as he is of serving deadly bombs. He’s ranked as high as No.15 and was key to Italy’s Davis Cup triumph.

He’s a pleasure to watch and keeps getting better as the months go on. The potential is real.

ARTHUR FILS

Comfortably settled in the Top 20, powerhouse Arthur Fils is among the brightest young talents in tennis. At 20 years old, he also happens to be among the youngest. 

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The final he won against Alexander Zverev in Hamburg perfectly illustrates just how close he is to ascending to the uppermost echelons of the rankings. In addition to his German title, Fils took the top honours in Lyon.

JACK DRAPER

Here's another lefty on a list where lefties are too few and far between. To the delight of his many, many followers, the 22-year-old Briton, who’s also know for modelling high fashion, is now fully dedicating himself to tennis. The reigning champion in Stuttgart made his mark at the National Bank Open two years ago when he got as far as the quarters—a performance he intends to better this summer. If he can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit.