Ben Shelton Claims National Bank Open Title, Youngest American Masters 1000 Champion Since 2004

Ben Shelton emerged victorious at the National Bank Open on Thursday night, defeating 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3) to secure the third and most significant title of his young career.

The 22-year-old, seeded fourth, became the first American to win the Masters 1000 hard-court event since Andy Roddick last achieved the feat in 2003.

Shelton had previously won titles on hard courts in Tokyo in 2023 and on clay in Houston. Following his Toronto triumph, he will climb to a career-best world ranking of No. 6.

A Surreal Win and a Display of Grit

“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.”

Shelton’s road to the title included an impressive semifinal win over fellow American and second seed Taylor Fritz, whom he defeated 6-4, 6-3.

Reflecting on the week, he added, “I feel like it was a perfect storm for me this week. A lot of tight matches and long matches. I played some of the best tennis that I’ve played this year.”

Big Serves and a Strong Finish

In the third and final set, Shelton delivered seven of his 16 aces. He won 14 consecutive points on serve and held at love to push the set into a decisive tiebreaker, which he won to seal the match.

His father and coach, Bryan Shelton, praised his performance: “He went for his shots, trusted the work that he’s put in and he executed. Sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t. But it’s always nice when you can leave a tournament and hold a trophy up in your hands because it’s rare.”

Khachanov’s Strong Run Falls Just Short

Karen Khachanov, aged 29, has seven career titles, all on hard courts. In his semifinal match, he edged past top-seeded Alexander Zverev after saving a match point in another tense third-set tiebreaker.

Though he came up short in the final, Khachanov remained positive. “It’s a positive, a great tournament, a great run,” he said. “I had some great battles and great wins against top guys.”

Big Names Absent, New Stars Shine

With world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz opting out of the expanded event to prepare for the US Open, the stage was open for new stars to rise.

Shelton made the most of that opportunity with a sensational run that included wins over 13th seed Flavio Cobolli, ninth seed Alex de Minaur, and second seed Taylor Fritz.

Doubles Glory for Cash and Glasspool

In the doubles final, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool triumphed in an all-English showdown.

They saved four match points in a thrilling 6-3, 6-7 (5), 13-11 win against Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski. The victory marked the second-seeded Wimbledon champions’ 19th consecutive win.

A Statement Season for Shelton

Ben Shelton’s rise in 2025 has been remarkable. He reached the Australian Open semifinals and the Wimbledon quarterfinals earlier this year, showing consistency and strength on different surfaces.

His victory in Toronto, a prestigious ATP 1000 event, marks a breakthrough at the highest level of tennis.

At just 22 years old, Shelton is now the youngest American to win a Masters 1000 title since Andy Roddick won in Miami in 2004 at the age of 21.

His big-match temperament was on full display in the final, as he bounced back from a set down and survived multiple high-pressure moments, including a 0–40 deficit in the second set.

Looking Ahead to the US Open

This Toronto title will give Shelton considerable momentum heading into the US Open, starting August 27. He is expected to be one of the top contenders after rising to world No. 6.

Last year, he reached the semifinals in New York and will look to improve on that performance after a third-round exit against Frances Tiafoe in a five-setter.

Before the US Open, Shelton will compete in the Cincinnati Masters, where he is seeded fifth. A potential quarterfinal against Alexander Zverev and a possible semifinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz could lie ahead.

As the US Open nears, all eyes will be on Shelton, who has proven he has both the skill and the resilience to take on the game’s best.