While it doesn’t quite match the craziness of the women’s draw, this isn’t exactly the Montreal final that anyone was expecting.
2025 ATP Tour
Masters 1000
National Bank Open (Canadian Open)
Sobeys Stadium, Toronto, Canada (Outdoor Hardcourt)
Men’s Final Preview- 8th August
Ben Shelton (4) vs Karen Khachanov (11)
While it doesn’t quite match the craziness of the women’s draw, this isn’t exactly the Montreal final that anyone was expecting. 4th seed Ben Shelton has been in excellent form but most onlookers- myself excluded- never gave him a chance against tournament favourite Taylor Fritz. Karen Khachanov also defied expectations, overcoming a significant head-to-head disparity to see off top seed Alex Zverev in three sets.
Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton is into his first Masters 1000 final after a comprehensive 6-4, 6-3 victory over compatriot Taylor Fritz. Fritz looked a bit deenergized while Shelton was his usual effervescent self, cajoling the crowd and motivating himself to victory, Shelton, as per usual, served magnificently, firing seven aces and winning 86% of his first-serve points. He also looked assured in the forecourt, winning 86% of points when approaching the net. Shelton had to fight hard in the early stages of the tournament, needing three sets against both Cobolli and Nakashima. But he has truly found his rhythm in the business end of things, ending Alex De Minaur’s winning streak in straight sets before his emphatic triumph over Fritz (a result which improved his 2025 hardcourt record top 18-7). Still just a two-time winner on tour, Shelton will be desperate to add a few more titles to complement his deep Grand Slam runs.
Speaking of which, Shelton started the year in ominous fashion, reaching a 2nd career Grand Slam semifinal at the Aussie Open. He underwhelmed in subsequent tournaments but showed signs of improvement on clay, reaching a final in Hamburg before a solid 4th round run at the French Open. But his season really seems to have kicked into gear over the last month or so. He produced a deep run at Wimbledon, reaching a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the 4th time in his career. He then enjoyed a solid start to the hardcourt summer, reaching the semifinals in Washington. A semifinalist at the 2023 US Open, Shelton is now 8-1 during this North American hardcourt swing. He is a more complete player this year, using his improved backhand slice to mix things up.
Karen Khachanov
This has been a crazy year for upsets at the Canadian Open (for both men and women). Karen Khachanov upheld that trend, holding off a spirited comeback from top seed Alex Zverev to triumph 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 in their semifinal clash (saving a match point in the process). It was a morale-boosting victory for the Russian, who had lost each of his last three meetings against the big-serving German. Moreover, it improved his dire record against top 3 players to 3-21. Khachanov just showed more composure when it really mattered, hitting 29 winners to 36 unforced errors in a bruising, error-strewn affair. He never let Zverev dictate but rather forced the issue, using his megawatt forehand to great effect. Khachanov is not one of the more glamourous names in the game, but he will take advantage of any weaknesses on display. The win over Zverev has propelled him into his first final of the season (and his first Masters final since claiming the 2018 Paris Masters title).
Khachanov hasn’t been at his best this season, largely underwhelming in the elite events. He fell in the 3rd round at the Aussie and French Opens. He also suffered at Masters level, failing to go beyond the 4th round in his first five events. He struggled on his beloved hard-courts, finding more success on the natural surfaces (he reached semifinals on the Barcelona clay and the Halle grass). But a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon may have given him some self-belief (Khachanov appears to be a confidence-player). He has looked to be more proactive this fortnight, upping the aggression when necessary. Khachanov hits flat on both sides, looking to get maximum purchase of these quicker surfaces. He lacks a bit of natural variety (which probably explains why he has struggled to consistently mix it up with the big boys). But he has moved brilliantly this fortnight and won’t feel overawed going into this clash.
The Verdict: Shelton to win in straight sets at – Shelton leads the head-to-head 1-0, beating the Russian in straight sets at this year’s Indian Wells Masters. Shelton played with real authority against Fritz, and I can see him claiming that maiden Masters title. His booming serve will rush Khachanov and his improved return game should create break-point opportunities.
