Toronto Masters Final Set: Ben Shelton Faces Karen Khachanov in Title Showdown
A new name will be etched onto the Toronto Masters trophy this year as Ben Shelton and Karen Khachanov prepare to battle it out in Sunday’s final. For the fifth consecutive year, the prestigious National Bank Open will crown a fresh men’s singles champion.
And what a final it promises to be. Shelton, the 22-year-old American sensation, is chasing history. The second-highest ranked American male is stepping into his first-ever Masters 1000 final, and he’s done it with grit, style, and unshakable self-belief.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be in the final here,” said Shelton after his win. “I’ve worked really hard for moments like these.”
On the other side of the net stands Russia’s Karen Khachanov, a player who knows what it takes to win at this level. Back in 2018, he stunned the tennis world by beating Novak Djokovic to lift the Paris Masters title. Now, seven years later, he has another shot at Masters glory.
A single win for Shelton. But numbers don’t always tell the full story.
Shelton’s Surge
Shelton’s path to the Toronto Masters Final has been anything but straightforward. Yes, the draw was missing names like Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Sinner, but don’t let that fool you. His journey has demanded every ounce of resilience.
After a breezy opener against Adrian Mannarino, things got rough. He had to claw his way back against Brandon Nakashima.
Then came a chaotic, high-octane duel with Flavio Cobolli. But his most composed display was against Alex de Minaur, where he stunned the Aussie in straight sets.
Shelton reached the Toronto Masters final with a sharp semi-final win over Taylor Fritz, proving that even without the household names in the draw, he’s earned every bit of this moment.
Khachanov’s Comeback Trail
For Khachanov, this is more than just another final, it’s a statement. He’s had his ups and downs over the years, plagued by inconsistency. But this week? He’s been tough as nails.
“Every match felt like a battle,” he admitted. “I’ve had to dig deep and fight for every point.”
His run included a nail-biter of a semifinal against top seed Alexander Zverev. The Russian saved a match point and eventually prevailed 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 in a near three-hour marathon.
Khachanov’s brute power and big-match experience make him a dangerous opponent. And he won’t be fazed by Shelton’s youthful fire.
This clash has all the makings of a blockbuster. Two big-hitting baseliners. One hungry for a maiden Masters crown, the other yearning for redemption.
Shelton may hold the edge in terms of adaptability. His willingness to mix things up—rather than rely solely on his serve—has paid dividends throughout the week.
“I’ve tried to bring more variety to my game,” he said. “It’s helped me stay unpredictable.”
Khachanov, however, thrives in big moments. And with a Master’s title already on his shelf, he knows how to cross the finish line.
Finals are unpredictable. Momentum swings. Pressure mounts. The spotlight blazes.
But whatever happens, one thing is certain, the Toronto Masters Final will crown a new king. And tennis fans are in for a fiery showdown in the north.
