Ben Shelton faces Karen Khachanov in Toronto final

Match Preview

Final Preview: Can Shelton overcome Khachanov test in bid for Masters 1000 glory?

Shelton competing in first ATP Masters 1000 final, Khachanov seeks second crown

Geoff Robins/Tyler Anderson/Tennis Canada Ben Shelton leads Karen Khachanov 1-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. By Jerome Coombe

Ben Shelton’s rise will hit new heights on Thursday in Toronto when he competes for his maiden ATP Masters 1000 trophy at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers, but he will face a stern test from an already accomplished winner at that level, Karen Khachanov.

This will be the No. 7 in the PIF ATP Rankings’ first appearance in a final at this level, while Khachanov is back in the championship match for the first time since triumphing in Paris in 2018. Their clash is scheduled for not before 7:30 p.m. ET/Friday, 1:30 a.m. CEST.

Shelton is arriving in the final in red-hot form, having defeated Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz to score back-to-back wins over Top 10 opponents for the first time in his career. After showcasing variety to overwhelm De Minaur, the 22-year-old dispatched second seed Fritz in straight sets with his trademark power, while also winning 10 of 14 rallies that extended to nine shots or more.

“Playing back to back guys like Demon and Taylor, and having so much success in the long rallies is a big confidence builder for me,” Shelton said after defeating Fritz. “Last night I did it with a little bit more slower, off-pace stuff. Today I had more of my higher-end, attacking tennis. I'm really happy I showed that, depending upon who I'm playing, I can do both.”

That ability to adapt tactically — to either outlast or overpower — has been key to Shelton’s run in Toronto, where he cracked the quarter-finals at Masters 1000 level for the first time. But standing across the net is a player proven for his credentials in these events.

Khachanov returns to a Masters 1000 final seven years after his breakthrough run in Paris, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The big-hitting 29-year-old saved a match point to stun top seed Alexander Zverev in Wednesday's semi-finals, finally cracking the title match in Canada after falling short in the last four in 2018 and 2019. He now boasts a 16-6 tournament record, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, matching his win total in Paris as his most successful Masters 1000 event.

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“When I came here I didn't like the conditions,” Khachanov said with a smile. “I can say it now. But that's all about adjusting and adapting. I think tennis is all about that. Every week we play in different events. That's why a lot of things matter sometimes on the results, so that's why I think the question is about who adapts better.”

Khachanov’s ability to adjust has been on full display throughout the tournament. His compact swings off both wings, particularly his reliable backhand, have helped him absorb pace and redirect attacks effectively. Against Shelton, who leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 1-0, Khachanov's experience and shot tolerance will be vital in handling the American’s firepower and finding ways to extend rallies on his terms.

Thursday’s title match will also carry significant implications in the PIF ATP Rankings. Shelton, who broke into the Top 10 for the first time in June, would also rise to a career-high No. 6 with the title. Khachanov, having already climbed four spots this week to No. 12 in the Live Rankings, would return to his career-best No. 8 — a position he last held in 2019 — if he lifts his eighth ATP Tour trophy.

Shelton won their latest meeting in straight sets in Indian Wells, but Khachanov will be hungry for the chance to rejoin the Masters 1000 winner’s circle and confirm his return to elite form. Both players are seeking their first title of 2025.

Either way, a new chapter will be written in Toronto, one that could shape the rest of the season for both men as they aim to debut at the Nitto ATP Finals. Shelton is fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, while Khachanov is 12th and would jump to 10th with a win.

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