Ben Shelton wins the Canadian Masters 1000 and overtakes Djokovic in the ATP rankings: this is his position
The 22-year-old American wins his first Masters 1000 final against Khachanov. In the women’s final, Mboko upset Osaka.
In a thrilling showdown that blended raw talent with unshakable belief, 22-year-old Ben Shelton defied the odds and outlasted experience to claim his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto.
Facing Russia’s Karen Khachanov, an experienced competitor who lifted the Paris-Bercy trophy back in 2018, Shelton battled through nearly three hours of high-stakes tennis to win the match 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3).
Marathon game, historic finish
The match stretched over 2 hours and 47 minutes, featuring two nail-biting tiebreaks and countless momentum swings. But it was Shelton’s explosive energy and clutch play that ultimately tipped the scales in his favor. His serve, clocking in at speeds up to 139 mph (224 km/h), became a weapon of precision under pressure.
Shelton’s humble reflections: praise and respect for Khachanov
“[It’s a] surreal feeling. It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. Not an easy week by any means but my best tennis came out when it mattered the most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient... a lot of qualities I like to see in myself ,” Shelton said after the match, speaking with the poise of a seasoned pro.
He began his championship speech by praising his opponent: “I’ve a lot to say but I want to start with Karen. I’m sorry about tonight. Incredible week. I’ve watched a lot of your matches, and the level you played this week is really, really high. And the way you were hitting the ball tonight, not many people in the world can hit the ball like that.
“I’m lucky to have got out of this with a win, but I’m just happy to see you back knocking on the door for top 10. Vice versa what you said about my team - I feel the same with yours. One of my favorites on tour - class acts, great friends and great competitors but you do things the right way, you work hard week in, week out. And when you’re losing matches, you’re always the same kind guy, a gentle giant! So, it’s an honor to share the court with you, and I hope we can play in a couple more finals in the future.”
With this victory, Shelton becomes the youngest American to win a Masters 1000 title since Andy Roddick triumphed in Miami back in 2004 at age 21.
ATP ranking: 8 August 2025
- Jannik Sinner (12,030)
- Carlos Alcaraz (8,590)
- Alexander Zverev (6,380)
- Taylor Fritz (5,525)
- Jack Draper (4,650)
- Ben Shelton (4,320)
- Novak Djokovic (4,130)
- Alex de Minaur (3,480)
- Holger Rune (3,340)
- Lorenzo Musetti (3,195)
Ranking shake-up: Shelton surges, Djokovic slides
Shelton’s win propels him to No. 6 in the ATP rankings—his highest position to date—nudging Novak Djokovic down to No. 7. It’s a seismic shift that signals a new era in American tennis, with Shelton leading the charge.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.