TORONTO, August 7, 2025 — Rising American tennis star Ben Shelton etched his name into history on Thursday, battling past Karen Khachanov in a nail-biting final to claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open — officially known as the National Bank Open. With a final score of 6–7(5), 6–4, 7–6(3), Shelton’s gritty performance capped a remarkable week in Toronto.
A Breakthrough Performance
The 22-year-old Shelton, seeded fourth and ranked world No. 7 entering the tournament, staged a comeback after dropping the opening set to tournament veteran Khachanov. Shelton stormed back with a 6–4 win in the second and clinched the third set in a tense tiebreak.
On his path to glory, Shelton squared off against top competitors: he defeated Flavio Cobolli, Alex de Minaur, and Taylor Fritz, showcasing a mature mental game that belies his youth.
His triumph places him among the youngest Americans to win a Masters 1000 event since Andy Roddick won Miami in 2004. He now becomes the youngest U.S. man to lift a Masters title in over two decades.
Stats & Highlights
Shelton’s aggressive attacking style was on full display—he notched 16 aces and struck 38 winners across a grueling 2-hour and 47-minute match. Remarkably, he closed the match by winning 14 consecutive service points, holding serve at love to force the decisive tiebreak.
Emotional Insight from Shelton
Post-match, Shelton reflected on the mental strength that powered his comeback:
“It’s a surreal feeling … My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient.”
He also acknowledged the challenge Khachanov posed:
“Karen was bullying me around the court … it felt like I had a freight train coming at me.”
It was a testament to his resilience and adaptability under pressure.
A Milestone for American Tennis
Shelton’s win marks a pivotal moment, potentially signaling the arrival of a new American contender at the sport’s elite level. His ATP ranking will climb to a career-high world No. 6—an important marker as the tennis world shifts its gaze to the U.S. Open.
What’s Next
- Cincinnati & U.S. Open: Shelton will head straight to Cincinnati, facing a grueling schedule on the hard-court circuit before the U.S. Open looms.
- Momentum and Expectations: His Canadian Open success fuels growing optimism that he can contend at home in New York — a place where many great American careers have been made.
Final Thoughts
Ben Shelton’s victory at the Canadian Open was more than just a trophy—it was a statement. With his breakthrough at just 22, he melded explosive power with poise, outlasting Khachanov in a high-pressure environment. Rising to world No. 6, he stands poised to become a defining figure in men’s tennis. The sport now watches: can Shelton parlay this win into Grand Slam performance?
Let me know if you’d like details on match analytics, player rivalries, or his projected draw at the U.S. Open—I’d be glad to dive deeper.
