TORONTO — In a thrilling showdown less than a day after defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz in a fast-paced semifinal, Ben Shelton emerged victorious against Karen Khachanov to seize the National Bank Open title presented by Rogers.
The 22-year-old captivated fans at Sobeys Stadium once again with his thunderous serves and innovative rally plays, as each ace triggered cheers of “Do it again, Ben!” from the crowd. His masterful drop shots and enthusiastic celebrations have surely solidified his status as a crowd-pleaser on the ATP tour.
When the pivotal match point arrived during the intense third-set tiebreaker, Shelton, known for his exuberant interactions with fans and electrifying service tactics, remained surprisingly composed. With a final score of 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3), he bowed his head in disbelief as he approached the net, arm lifted to his forehead in an almost incredulous gesture, marking his inaugural Masters 1000 tournament triumph. As the No. 4 seed and world No. 7, Shelton’s extraordinary ascent through the ranks this year was epitomized in this hard-earned victory, with Khachanov challenging him at every turn.
For nearly three hours on Thursday, the match unfolded as a test of skill and stamina, each player holding serve and exchanging points, ultimately requiring two tiebreakers, including the decisive third set. The contrasting styles added an intriguing layer to the contest—Shelton’s serve shone with an impressive 16 aces, while Khachanov’s ability to minimize errors kept the pressure on Shelton.
It was a fitting conclusion to a tightly contested match, unfolding like a series of sprints in a near three-hour marathon.
Shelton’s determination and resilience were on full display throughout the tournament, culminating in the final.
“This week felt like a perfect storm for me,” Shelton reflected after his victory, the gleaming trophy beside him. “I faced numerous tightly contested matches, showcasing some of the best tennis of my year. To finish on such a high, especially against an opponent like today, fills me with immense joy.”
His aggressive style, including skilled serve-and-volley tactics, paid dividends, though it occasionally left him exposed against a tough opponent like Khachanov, who showcased very few weaknesses. Ultimately, Shelton’s strategic gameplay proved vital to overcoming such a well-rounded rival.
As the match reached critical moments, especially during the third-set tiebreaker, it was Shelton’s serve that shone through.
His powerful serving has defined his journey—ask his opponents, like Adrian Mannarino, whom he struck down with 16 aces in the round of 64. Just days later, he unleashed another 19 against fellow American Brandon Nakashima. He continued this trend against Flavio Cobolli and Alex de Minaur, while Taylor Fritz held him in check, yet it was Khachanov who ultimately couldn’t keep pace in the final.
Khachanov, familiar with Shelton’s dynamic serve from their previous encounter at Indian Wells, still found it a challenge to adapt. Post-match, he acknowledged the unique aspects of Shelton’s game: “His left-handed serve is a game changer. The power and placement are immense, and the variability makes it a real puzzle,” he said.
As thrilling as this final was, fans were also buzzing about another monumental match that evening. Even as the men’s finalists geared up, Canadian Victoria Mboko was battling for the women’s title in Montreal, matching up against Japan’s Naomi Osaka. Fans were glued to screens across the stadium, watching as the 18-year-old’s match heated up.
When news broke of Mboko’s victory, the energy in the air intensified, reverberating throughout Sobeys Stadium. As Khachanov prepared to serve, both players paused in confusion at the sudden eruption of joy from the crowd directing its attention elsewhere.
Once the crowd settled, Khachanov and Shelton captivated everyone with a stunning rally—one of many notable exchanges during the match. A pivotal 18-hit back-and-forth ended with Khachanov taking the first set into tiebreakers, igniting the fans further.
Both players showcased their talents, but it was Shelton’s daring net plays—celebrated even in their occasional failure—that earned him significant applause. His second set win electrified the crowd, with Shelton raising his fists in triumph as they erupted with enthusiasm, clearly keen for more action.
“I thrive on the crowd’s energy. Contributing highlight moments and feeling their excitement drives me,” Shelton remarked. “This week I was focused, and while I had fewer interactions with fans, my level of play kept them engaged.”
During post-match ceremonies, both athletes commended each other’s performances, showcasing a mutual respect. Even after his defeat, Khachanov maintained a positive outlook. “It was a fantastic tournament and a strong run for me,” he said, smiling. “I fought against some top competitors and am proud of my achievements.”
With the trophy fresh in his hands, Shelton, the youngest American to claim a Masters 1000 title since 21-year-old Andy Roddick in 2004, looked ahead. The National Bank Open has often served as a launchpad for emerging stars; two years ago, Jannik Sinner celebrated his first Masters 1000 victory on this very court.
As Shelton enters the weekend with a new No. 7 ranking, he is poised to climb to No. 6—creating a buzz around whether he might mirror Sinner’s ascent to No. 1.
Yet, he remains grounded about his path. “Everyone’s journey is unique. I’ve taken my route,” Shelton said, who transitioned from the NCAA ranks at the University of Florida. “Tennis regularly features young champions—it’s impressive and special.”
All eyes will be watching to see how Shelton builds upon this momentum moving forward.
“I hope this week kick-starts my consistency in delivering the tennis I aspire to showcase daily,” he concluded. “This victory motivates me to push further. I’ve gained insights into what works against the best and the areas I’ll continue to refine.”
