A blockbuster final awaits at the National Bank Open in Toronto, where rising American sensation Ben Shelton will battle seasoned Russian powerhouse Karen Khachanov in a clash of generations and styles. With history already made, this marks the first-ever Thursday final at a Masters 1000 event.
Shelton, the youngest American to reach a Masters final in over two decades, is chasing the biggest title of his young career. Khachanov, on the other hand, is eyeing a return to the winner’s circle at this level for the first time since his 2018 Paris triumph.
Shelton’s run through the draw has been nothing short of sensational. He secured his 100th tour‑level win and dispatched top players like Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz. His semifinal win over Fritz (6‑4, 6‑3) marked him as the youngest American to reach a Masters 1000 final since Andy Roddick in 2004. Meanwhile, Khachanov earned his spot with a dramatic victory over top seed Alexander Zverev, surviving a match point in a 2‑hour‑52‑minute thriller (6‑3, 4‑6, 7‑6(4)).
Ben Shelton vs. Karen Khachanov Match Details
Date: August 7, 2025
Tournament: National Bank Open
Round: Final
Venue: Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Canada
Category: Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor hard
Live telecast: Tennis Channel, Fubo, ESPN+, Sky Sports
Ben Shelton vs Karen Khachanov Head-to-Head
Shelton and Khachanov have faced off just once on the professional circuit, giving Shelton the edge in their head-to-head rivalry 1–0. Their only encounter came earlier this year at the Indian Wells Masters 1000, in the Round of 32, where Shelton emerged victorious in straight sets 6‑3, 7‑5.
Ben Shelton vs Karen Khachanova Prediction
Shelton has been strong on hard courts this season. He has won 17 matches and lost six on this surface in 2025. His total record this year is 32 wins and 16 losses. Shelton plays aggressive tennis with a big serve and likes to come forward. Khachanov also has a solid record with 27 wins and 16 losses in 2025. He hits flat and powerful shots from the baseline but tends to stay back more often than Shelton. Both have had good seasons, but Shelton has shown better form recently on hard courts.
Ben Shelton becomes the youngest American man to reach a Masters 1000 final since Andy Roddick in 2004.
Big moves.
🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/QFWs44NvhC
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 7, 2025
Shelton has one of the best serves on tour. He averages more than 8 aces per match and wins about 89 per cent of his service games. He is also good under pressure and saves most of the break points he faces. Khachanov also serves well, with around 6 aces per match and wins about 74 per cent of his first serve points. But Shelton’s numbers are clearly better when it comes to holding serve and winning short points.
Khachanov is slightly better when it comes to breaking his opponent’s serve. He wins almost 3 breaks per match and usually gets at least one break every time he plays. Shelton breaks serve less often, around 1 or 2 times per match. But his strong serving means he does not need to break much. Even if Khachanov gets one or two chances, it may not be enough if he cannot stop Shelton from holding serve easily.
Shelton’s powerful serve, strong form on hard courts, and ability to play attacking tennis give him the edge. Khachanov has more experience, but Shelton’s numbers are better overall this week and this year.
Prediction: Shelton to win in straight sets
