(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Ben Shelton Claims National Bank Open Title in Thrilling Comeback Victory
TORONTO — Rising American tennis star Ben Shelton captured the biggest title of his career on Thursday night, winning the National Bank Open after a hard-fought comeback against Russia’s Karen Khachanov. The 22-year-old Shelton, seeded fourth, edged out the 11th seed with a 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) victory.
This win marks Shelton’s third career title, and his first ATP Masters 1000 crown, making him the first American male to win this prestigious hard-court event since Andy Roddick in 2003.
A Milestone Moment
“It’s a surreal feeling,” Shelton shared after the win. “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 now moves up to a career-high world ranking of No. 6, continuing a steady rise on the ATP Tour. The American reached the final by defeating fellow countryman and second seed Taylor Fritz in the semifinals, 6-4, 6-3.
Shelton’s Dominant Serve Seals the Deal
Shelton’s power game was on full display in the final, firing 16 aces, including seven in the decisive third set. He closed out the match with a remarkable 14 consecutive points on serve, finishing with a hold at love to force a final-set tiebreaker — where he ultimately secured the title.
“I feel like it was a perfect storm for me this week,” said Shelton. “A lot of tight matches and long matches. I played some of the best tennis that I’ve played this year.”
Looking Ahead
Shelton adds this title to previous wins in Tokyo (2023, hard court) and Houston (2024, clay), and continues to cement his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in men’s tennis.
