By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 8, 2025Photo credit score: Matthew Calvis
Ben Shelton directed a dynamic breakthrough in Toronto.
The 22-year-old Shelton performed with poise and energy out-dueling Karen Khachanov 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) within the Nationwide Financial institution Open last to turn into the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 champion since 21-year-old Andy Roddick collected the 2004 Miami Open championship.
A resilient Shelton gained three of his six Toronto matches in decisive third-set tiebreakers, together with beating compatriot Brandon Nakashima 6-7(8), 6-2, 7-6(5) and heading off Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(1) in a match the place, for a quick second, it appeared just like the rivals would possibly turn into combatants and throw fingers within the post-match handshake.
Dealing with the highly effective Khachanov, Shelton performed a few of his most dynamic tennis within the third-set tiebreaker.
“Yeah, actually comfortable. I’m actually grateful for the chance,” Shelton stated. “I really feel prefer it was an ideal storm for me this week. A whole lot of tight matches, lengthy matches, performed among the greatest tennis that I’ve performed this yr. And to complete out the week the best way that I did, particularly with the opponent that I had as we speak, and the best way that he was enjoying, I couldn’t be happier.”
Rising previous Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic to No. 6 within the ATP rankings, Shelton shared the key of his star-turn efficiency in Toronto.
One of many sport’s best athletes performed captive viewers earlier than every of his six victories on the Nationwide Financial institution Open.
Former quarterback Shelton took a web page from his soccer previous watching recreation movie of every of his Toronto opponents. Shelton stated the video examine gave him better perception into opponents’ tendencies whereas elevating his Tennis IQ
“For me it’s being within the later levels of the match and enjoying towards guys who’re enjoying their greatest tennis to see the place I match up, and see the place my weaknesses are and the place I can get higher,” Shelton informed the media in Toronto. “I feel that watching movie is a big piece for me, one thing that I didn’t do as a lot prior to now, and as of late it’s been type of an every-match factor for me, not less than watching one match or one set begin to end on the man I’m enjoying.
“I feel it’s an essential piece of the sport that possibly I missed slightly bit prior to now, or didn’t assume was as essential, as a result of I used to be like, I’m going to impose my recreation on whoever I used to be enjoying, nevertheless it’s a extremely essential a part of the sport. I feel that my tennis IQ and my tennis thoughts is one thing that’s getting higher, and one thing that should proceed to get higher.”
The Australian Open semifinalist created a spotlight reel end in Toronto and is intent on directing one other deep run on the US Open later this month.
“I hope that this week type of kick begins me and will get me extra according to the kind of tennis that I need to play day-in and day-out,” Shelton stated. “It’s actually going to push me towork tougher. I really feel like I’ve a great grasp now on the issues that actually work for me towards guys who’re enjoying among the greatest tennis on the planet, and the issues that I have to proceed to work on.”
