Khachanov vs Shelton Finals: Shelton’s Breakthrough Victory in Toronto
In an unforgettable Khachanov vs Shelton finals battle at the National Bank Open in Toronto, 22-year-old Ben Shelton delivered a statement win by defeating Russian powerhouse Karen Khachanov in a thrilling three-set match. The victory marked Shelton’s first-ever Masters 1000 title, solidifying his place among the elite in men’s tennis.
Match Recap
- Score: Shelton def. Khachanov – 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3)
Khachanov took the early lead, narrowly edging Shelton in the first-set tiebreak. But Shelton remained composed, turning up the pressure with his signature big serve and fearless shotmaking. He claimed the second set with a crucial break and pushed the match into a decider.
The final set was a nerve-wracking affair, with neither player giving an inch. In the tiebreak, Shelton went into overdrive—firing aces, ripping forehands, and winning 14 straight service points to finish the match with authority.
Shelton’s Career Milestone
- Youngest American Masters 1000 champion since 2004
- First American man to win the Canadian Masters since 2003
- Now ranked World No. 6 after the win
This title marks a huge milestone for American men’s tennis, with Shelton breaking a 22-year drought for U.S. players in Canada. His fearless playing style, composed mentality, and raw athleticism have quickly made him one of the most exciting players on the tour.
Khachanov’s Grit and Comeback
Despite the loss, Karen Khachanov showed his fighting spirit all week in Toronto. He upset top seed Alexander Zverev in the semifinals and pushed Shelton to the limit in the final. This was his first Masters 1000 final since Paris 2018—a sign that the Russian is regaining his top form after years of injury setbacks.
What’s Next
With this statement victory, Ben Shelton has firmly positioned himself as a Grand Slam contender and a future World No. 1 prospect. The tennis world will be watching closely as he heads into the US Open with sky-high momentum.
Leave a Reply