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Key Points

Ben Shelton made history by winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto after a nail-biting three-set battle against Karen Khachanov. The 21-year-old showcased resilience, saving break points and dominating tie-breaks to claim victory. His win marks the first time an American this young has lifted a Masters trophy since Andy Roddick in 2004. With this triumph, Shelton surges into the Top 10, boosting his ATP Finals qualification hopes.

Key Points: Ben Shelton Wins First ATP Masters 1000 Title in Toronto Thriller

  • Shelton rallies from 0/40 to win tense three-set final
  • Youngest American Masters 1000 champ since Roddick in 2004
  • Climbs to world No. 6 after Toronto victory
  • Defeats Khachanov, De Minaur, and Fritz en route to title
2 min read

Ben Shelton lifts maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto

Ben Shelton triumphs over Karen Khachanov in a gripping final, becoming the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 champion since Andy Roddick in 2004.

"It is a surreal feeling... My best tennis came out when it mattered most. – Ben Shelton"

Toronto, August 8

Ben Shelton secured his first-ever ATP Masters 1000-level title, beating Karen Khachanov in a brilliantly contested final to secure the Canadian Open title on Friday.

On Friday, with a tense 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Khachanov, Shelton became the youngest American to win an ATP Masters 1000 in two decades. Shelton rallied from 0/40, serving out the second set and then serving from behind in a tense final set, forced his third tie-break of the tournament, which he won.

Speaking after his title win, Shelton said, as quoted by ATP's official website, "It is a surreal feeling. It has 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 is the youngest American to secure the ATP Masters 1000 title since a 21-year-old Andy Roddick secured the Miami title back in 2004. With this, he has surged to world number six and fourth in the ATP Live Rankings, giving a huge boost to his ATP Finals qualification chances. The season closer will take place from November 9 to 16 onwards.

On the way to the title, Shelton overcame world number eight Alex de Minaur and world number four Taylor Fritz, reaching his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 final after securing third-set tie-break wins over Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli.

This is his third career singles title, having won titles previously in Tokyo (2023) and Houston (2024).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While Shelton's win is impressive, I wish Indian players got more coverage in international media. Our athletes work just as hard but don't get the same opportunities 😔
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Arjun K
Shelton's performance gives me hope for tennis after Big 3 era. Maybe he can challenge Alcaraz in coming years. Btw, who else stayed up till 3AM watching this match? 😅
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Sarah B
As someone who follows both cricket and tennis, I must say Shelton's comeback was more exciting than most T20 matches! That third set tie-break had me on the edge of my seat.
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Karthik V
Great achievement no doubt, but let's not forget Khachanov fought brilliantly too. Tennis needs more such close matches to keep fans engaged. Hope to see both players in India soon!
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Nisha Z
Shelton's win is inspiring, but where are India's tennis academies producing such talent? We need better infrastructure and coaching if we want our own Masters 1000 champion someday.

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