B. Shelton. – Foto: Instagram
On an electrifying night on August 7, 2025, young American tennis player Ben Shelton, aged 22, claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating Russian Karen Khachanov in the final of the National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada. The match, decided in three thrilling sets (6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3)), showcased Shelton’s resilience and talent as he overcame adversity to become the youngest American to win a tournament of this level since Andy Roddick in 2004. The victory, watched by an enthusiastic crowd at Sobeys Stadium, propelled Shelton to World No. 6 and fourth in the race to the ATP Finals. The 2-hour, 48-minute match was marked by intensity, power, and moments of brilliance, with Shelton demonstrating his ability to recover from tough situations and solidify his rise in the professional circuit.
The match against Khachanov was a true test of endurance. Shelton faced challenges in the first set but adjusted his strategy based on guidance from his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, adopting a more aggressive stance. The win marks the third title of the American’s career, following victories in Tokyo (2023) and Houston (2024). The Toronto triumph also strengthens his bid for the Nitto ATP Finals, which brings together the season’s top eight players.
Ben Shelton, 22 años, campeón del #NBO25 #NBOToronto 🏆🎾🇺🇸gran semana, excelente desempeño, jugó maravillosamente💪🏼BryanShelton, su coach, esta es una demostración que un papá si puede ser un excelente entrenador👏🏼❤️ Well done Shelton👏🏼✨️🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/Mfx5lxCu3F
— Ximena Álvarez Serrato (@XimenalvarezSe1) August 8, 2025
Highlights of Shelton’s Toronto campaign
Shelton reached the final after a challenging journey, facing top-tier opponents and overcoming critical moments. His performance in Toronto demonstrated consistency and technical growth, with victories that solidified his reputation as one of the circuit’s best.
- Defeated Alex de Minaur (World No. 8) in the quarterfinals in straight sets (6-3, 6-4).
- Beat Taylor Fritz (No. 4 in the rankings) in the semifinals, 6-4, 6-3.
- Won two third-set tie-breaks against Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli in earlier rounds.
- Reached his 100th career win during the tournament, a milestone for the 22-year-old.
Shelton’s performance was marked by his ability to stay composed in decisive moments. He won 14 consecutive points on serve during the third-set tie-break against Khachanov, showing poise and precision. His average first-serve speed of 203 km/h was a key factor in challenging opponents throughout the tournament.
The epic battle against Khachanov
The final against Karen Khachanov was a spectacle of power and strategy. In the first set, the Russian dominated with 10 forehand winners, forcing Shelton to play from deep behind the baseline. The set was tight, with both players winning 49 points, ending in a tie-break won by Khachanov. In the second set, Shelton faced a critical moment, saving four break points to close it out 6-4, showing resilience. The third set was equally intense, with long rallies and exchanges that thrilled the crowd. Shelton forced a decisive tie-break, where his serving consistency made the difference.
The match also saw some off-court tension. A malfunction in the electronic review system briefly interrupted play in the second set, prompting complaints from both players. Despite the setback, Shelton stayed focused and seized the opportunity to turn the match in his favor.
Shelton’s rise in the world rankings
The Toronto victory propelled Ben Shelton to sixth place in the ATP rankings, his career-high. He also climbed to fourth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, bringing him closer to qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals, set for November 9-16. Shelton’s rise is remarkable, considering he entered the top 15 only in 2023 after winning Tokyo. His 2025 season includes a semifinal at the Australian Open and a quarterfinal at Wimbledon, cementing him as one of American tennis’s brightest prospects.
- New ranking: World No. 6, surpassing Novak Djokovic.
- Points accumulated: 4,-blocks320 in the ATP Finals race.
- Comparison: Shelton is just 160 points behind Jack Draper (No. 5 in the race).
- History: Third title in three consecutive years on the ATP circuit.
Bryan Shelton’s influence on his son’s success
Bryan Shelton, Ben’s father and coach, played a pivotal role in the victory. A former professional player with two ATP titles, Bryan guided his son to adopt a more aggressive stance from the second set, which shifted the match’s momentum. The close father-son relationship was highlighted by Ben in his post-match interview, where he thanked his coach’s tactical advice. Bryan, who previously coached the Georgia Tech women’s tennis team and the University of Florida, is recognized for his ability to develop young talent.
- Tactical advice: Move up the court to neutralize Khachanov’s forehand.
- Experience: Bryan won ATP titles in the 1990s but never rose above No. 55 in the rankings.
- Impact: Guidance to play more offensively was decisive.
Preparation for Cincinnati and the US Open
With the Toronto title, Shelton enters the Cincinnati ATP Masters 1000, which began on August 7, as one of the favorites. He is in the second round, facing the winner of the match between Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Japan’s Kei Nishikori. A potential rematch with Khachanov could occur in the quarterfinals, as both are on the same side of the draw. The Toronto win boosts Shelton’s confidence for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, where he reached the semifinals in 2023.
- Next match: Shelton vs. the winner of Carabelli/Nishikori in Cincinnati.
- US Open history: Semifinalist in 2023, defeated by Novak Djokovic.
- Expectations: Experts see Shelton as a strong contender for the New York title.
Shelton’s campaign in Toronto also highlights his versatility. He showed the ability to switch between a defensive game with long rallies against players like Alex de Minaur and a more aggressive style with powerful serves and forehand winners against Fritz and Khachanov. This adaptability will be crucial in upcoming tournaments, especially on hard courts, where Shelton excels.
Reactions and impact on the circuit
Shelton’s victory was widely celebrated on the tour. Khachanov, in his post-final speech, praised the young American, highlighting his sportsmanship and talent. The Russian, a 2018 Paris Masters 1000 champion, acknowledged Shelton’s quality and recalled a conversation with Bryan Shelton years ago, when he suggested Ben turn professional. The international press also lauded the achievement, comparing Shelton to legends like Andy Roddick and touting him as the future of American tennis.
- Khachanov’s praise: “You’re one of the nicest guys on the tour.”
- Comparison: Shelton is the first American to win a Masters 1000 since Roddick in 2004.
- Projection: Analysts see Shelton as a potential top 5 player in 2026.
- Impact: The win reinforces the strength of American tennis, alongside names like Fritz and Tiafoe.
Standout moments of the tournament
The 2025 National Bank Open was marked by intense matches and surprises. Beyond Shelton’s victory, other highlights included Khachanov’s campaign, which saw him save a match point against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. The tournament also showcased rising young talents and established veterans, drawing significant attention from fans and the media.
- Surprise: Khachanov defeated Zverev (No. 1 seed) in three sets.
- Attendance: Sobeys Stadium was packed for all rounds of the tournament.
- Broadcast: Matches aired live on Tennis TV, with record viewership.
- Format: A 12-day tournament, a new feature in the ATP calendar.
Shelton’s Toronto victory is not only a personal milestone but also a sign of renewal in men’s tennis. At 22, he joins other young Masters 1000 champions in 2025, such as Jack Draper, Jakub Mensik, and Casper Ruud. His blend of power, charisma, and resilience positions him as a player to watch, especially at the US Open, where he will compete on home soil.
