Shelton, an American, surpasses Khachanov to secure his initial ATP Masters triumph in Toronto
Ben Shelton Secures Canadian Masters Title in Thrilling Showdown
In a nail-biting final at the 2025 Canadian Masters, 22-year-old Ben Shelton from the USA emerged victorious, defeating Karen Khachanov in three sets. The match, which took place over two and three-quarter hours, saw its fair share of drama and excitement.
Shelton secured the win in style, sending a powerful shot that left Khachanov on the court, clinching the title with the second of four match points. The American's victory marks his third career title, following triumphs in Tokyo in 2023 and Houston in 2024.
However, the match was not without its challenges. A six-minute audio problem halted play during the fifth game of the second set, causing a momentary disruption. Additionally, there were glitches in the computerized line calling technology, adding an extra layer of complexity to the showpiece match.
Despite these obstacles, Shelton remained focused and determined. He expressed his feelings about the match, stating that he was "clutch", "persevered", and is developing qualities that will help him not only in tennis but in life.
The final set tiebreaker saw Shelton take the lead with scores of 3-0 and 5-2, before Khachanov managed to pull one back to 5-3. However, Shelton held his nerve and secured the title with a well-placed shot, leaving the crowd in Toronto ecstatic.
Throughout the match, Shelton fired 16 aces, demonstrating his dominance on the court. Interestingly, Shelton had his right quadriceps muscle heavily strapped and appeared to be in some discomfort during the match, but he never let it affect his performance.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Shelton's career, as he becomes the first American to win the Canadian trophy since Andy Roddick in 2003. With his rise to sixth place in the world rankings, Shelton is certainly a player to watch in the future.
Khachanov, on the other hand, had a chance to win a second Masters title more than six years after his first at Paris Bercy in 2018. However, he was unable to overcome the determined Shelton, who proved to be a formidable opponent.
This win at the Canadian Masters is just the beginning for Ben Shelton, as he continues to make a name for himself in the world of tennis.
Ben Shelton's triumph at the Canadian Masters was not solely limited to tennis, but also showcased his resilience that will serve him well in life. In addition to his victories in Tokyo and Houston, Shelton now boasts a third career title, earned by his mastery of tennis, particularly the sport of tennis.
