TORONTO – In a pulsating final on Thursday night, Ben Shelton became the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 champion in over two decades, defeating Karen Khachanov 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.

The 22-year-old American, known for his aggressive play, showed remarkable resilience in claiming his third career title. Down a break in the final set, Shelton forced his way to another third-set tie-break, winning the last 14 points on serve to secure the triumph.

“It’s a surreal feeling. It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient. All the qualities I like to see in myself.”

“Ben Shelton”

Shelton’s victory comes nearly 21 years to the day since 21-year-old Andy Roddick won the Miami Masters, the last time an American player claimed an ATP Masters 1000 title at such a young age. Shelton’s World Ranking will rise to a career-high No. 6 on Monday.

Shelton, the 10th seed, played some of the tournament’s best tennis, beating No. 8 Alex de Minaur and No. 4 Taylor Fritz en route to the final, after earlier overcoming third-set tie-break victories against Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli.

Ben Shelton has now won titles on three different surfaces: hard courts (Tokyo, Houston, Toronto), clay (not yet) and grass (also not yet).

**