Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Ben Shelton Comes Through an Epic Final against Khachanov to Claim Maiden Masters 1000 Title in Toronto

Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Ben Shelton came through an epic three-set thriller against Karen Khachanov to win the 2025 National Bank Open Presented by Rogers. The American ace outclassed Khachanov 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) in a tense final in Toronto. The 22-year-old became the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 champion in two decades.

Shelton had a glorious campaign en route to the his first ATP Masters 1000 final. He overcame No. 8 Alex de Minaur and No. 4 Taylor Fritz before defeating Khachanov in the title clash. He survived third-set tie-break wins over Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli.

The first of many 🏆

The moment @BenShelton got his hands on the biggest trophy of his career 💪#NBO25 pic.twitter.com/Ty4co3DZSs
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 8, 2025

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Ben Shelton Surges to a Career-High Ranking after the Title Glory in Toronto

With this win, Ben Shelton reached his career high-ranking No. 6. It was a quality matchup Shelton and Khachanov as two sets went into tiebreak. Khachanov took the first set 7-6 but the US No. 2 responded by winning the second set 6-4. The winner was decided through tie-break in final set and Shelton won biggest title of his career.

The American ace served from behind in the final set to force tiebreak and he won his 14th consecutive point on serve to wrap up the match. Both players were tied on 49 points in the first set, and 29 in the second. In final set, Shelton won 36 points compare to Khachanov’s 31.

Khachanov blasted 10 forehand winners in the opening set and was looking to wrap up the game in straight sets. However, Shelton worked on his father’s advise and made an aggressive comeback to clinch the finale. It was his third title, adding to victory in Tokyo in 2023 and Houston in 2024.

Grateful for the moment 🙏@BenShelton takes the mic after winning the title in Toronto 👇#NBO25 pic.twitter.com/jV6rTY9wjH
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 8, 2025

“He was right,” Shelton spoke out about his dad’s advice. “Karen was bullying me around the court. The way he hit his forehand tonight, the way he was cutting off the court, the way he was serving, it felt like I had a freight train coming at me. So it was uncomfortable to move forward. The ball was coming at me even faster.

“But I started being able to redirect, get some big shots off of my own, and kind of flip the momentum of that match. So that was huge for me. I love the way that he coaches me. He usually leaves stuff up to me. He gives me a lot of suggestions. He knows me better than anyone in the world, so he’s well qualified to give me those suggestions.”

Shelton now holds a 2-0 lead over Khachanov in their ATP Head2Head series. He overcame the Russian ace in Indian Wells earlier this year. Both players can also meet in the quarterfinal round of the Cincinnati Masters as per the current draw. It will remain a memorable campaign for Shelton, who will shift his focus on Cincinnati Open and US Open.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Shelton said. “It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient. All the qualities I like to see in myself.”

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Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.