Daijiworld Media Network- Toronto
Toronto, Aug 8: In a nail-biting finale at the National Bank Open, 22-year-old American tennis sensation Ben Shelton produced a remarkable comeback to defeat 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3) on Thursday, clinching the biggest title of his young career.
With this victory, Shelton became the first American to lift the Masters 1000 hard-court crown in Toronto since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003. Already a champion in Tokyo (2023, hard court) and Houston (2024, clay), this win marked his third career title — and by far the most prestigious.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” Shelton said, reflecting on his week. “It wasn’t an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most — I was clutch, I persevered, and I was resilient.”
Shelton’s road to glory included a straight-sets win over compatriot and second seed Taylor Fritz in the semifinals. In the final, he hammered 16 aces — seven of them in the deciding set — and won 14 consecutive points on serve, holding at love to force the tiebreaker before sealing the match.
His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, praised his fearless approach: “He went for his shots, trusted the work he’s put in, and executed perfectly. It’s always special to walk away holding the trophy.”
Khachanov, a seven-time title winner on hard courts, had earlier staged a dramatic semifinal victory over top seed Alexander Zverev, saving a match point. Despite the loss, the 29-year-old remained upbeat: “It’s been a great tournament with some tough battles and big wins.”
Meanwhile, in the doubles final, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool lifted the trophy after saving four match points in a dramatic 6-3, 6-7 (5), 13-11 victory over Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski. The second-seeded Wimbledon champions extended their winning streak to 19 matches.
With top-ranked Jannik Sinner and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz opting out of the event to focus on the upcoming US Open, Shelton’s triumph has set the stage for an electrifying final Grand Slam of the season.