A Breakthrough Victory at the National Bank Open
Ben Shelton lifted the trophy at the 2025 National Bank Open, edging Karen Khachanov in an enthralling final 6–7 (5), 6–4, 7–6 (7–3) to claim the most significant title of his young career. The win not only marked his first Masters 1000 triumph, but also made him the youngest American to do so since Andy Roddick at the 2004 Miami Open.
Path to Glory: Grit and Execution
Shelton's journey to the title was characterized by powerful serving and exceptional resilience. He navigated past top opponents including Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz—establishing his presence as a true contender. The final itself was a test of endurance and nerve: Shelton fired 16 aces, constructed 38 winners, and maintained composure in windy tiebreak pressure, culminating in his match-winning serve streak of 14 consecutive points.
After dropping the first set in a tight tiebreak, Shelton methodically broke through in the second and kept his nerve in a closely-fought decider. The performance was a full-service masterclass and a testament to his evolving all-around tennis maturity.
Rankings Upward: Into the Top 6
With this victory, Shelton surged to a career-high world No. 6, jumping ahead of tennis great Novak Djokovic in the rankings. He also claimed the title of youngest American Masters 1000 winner in 20 years, directly evoking comparisons with a young Roddick and signaling the dawn of a promising new era for American men’s tennis.
What Lies Ahead
With the U.S. Open looming, Shelton’s Toronto triumph serves as both a launching pad and a signal: he’s capable of winning on the biggest stages. He now joins the elite group of Americans contending for major titles and, most importantly, continues to trust his process rather than results—but expect the wins to keep coming.
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