Ben Shelton defeated Karen Khachanov in the National Bank Open to win his first career ATP Masters 1000 title.
TORONTO, Canada – Former Gator Ben Shelton won his first ATP Masters 1000 title Thursday night at the National Bank Open and his first title on the year. The 22-year-old competed against Karen Khachanov who is now ranked No. 12 in the ATP rankings after coming in second to Shelton.
The title was not easily won, as Shelton fell behind in the first set 6-7(5). Relying on his strong serve, savvy plays and pure determination, Shelton fought to win the last two sets 6-4 and 7-6(3). Throughout the match Shelton recorded 16 aces and had a top speed of 231 km/h (143 mph) for his serves, helping him to power his way through the match along with some highlight plays.
The National Bank Open served as a first for multiple points in Shelton’s young career being his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinals and finals appearance, winning against two top 10 opponents to reach the finals, becoming the sixth player born in the 2000s to win a ATP Masters 1000 title and being the youngest player since Andy Roddick to win an ATP Masters 1000 title. Shelton also boosted his own standings moving past tennis great, Novak Djokovic, to be ranked No. 6 in the ATP rankings.
Shelton’s National Bank Open Results
Round
Opponent
Result
Sets
Round of 128
BYE
Round of 64
Adrian Mannarino
W
6-2, 6-3
Round of 32
Brandon Nakashima
W
6(8)-7, 6-2, 7-6(5)
Round of 16
Flavio Cobolli
W
6-4, 4-6, 7-6(1)
Quarterfinals
No. 9 Alex de Minaur
W
6-3, 6-4
Semifinals
No. 4 Taylor Fritz
W
6-4, 6-3
Finals
No. 16 Karen Khachanov
W
6(5)-7, 6-4, 7-6(3)
Following the completion of the National Bank Open, Shelton sets his sights on another ATP Masters 1000 tournament with the Cincinnati Open in order to better prepare for the US Open that is taking place Aug. 24, 2025.
“I hope that this week kind of kick starts me and gets me more consistent with the type of tennis that I want to play day-in and day-out. It’s certainly going to push me to work harder,” said Shelton. “I feel like I have a good grasp now on the things that really work for me against guys who are playing some of the best tennis in the world, and the things that I need to continue to work on.”
Fans can see Shelton back in action at the Cincinnati Open where he will compete against either Camilo Ugo Carabelli or Kei Nishikori in the Round of 64 after earning a bye for the Round of 128.
