Ben Shelton and Karen Khachanov have secured their spots in the men’s singles final of the National Bank Open, showcasing impressive performances in the semifinals. Shelton, the fourth seed, defeated second-seeded Taylor Fritz in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, Khachanov, seeded 11th, triumphed over the top-seeded Alexander Zverev following a closely contested tiebreak in the third set, ending the match at 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4).
The highly anticipated final between Shelton and Khachanov is set for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Sobeys Stadium in Toronto. Fans will be able to watch the match live on the Tennis Channel or stream it through various platforms, including DirecTV, which is offering a free trial.
In comments reflecting on his performances, Shelton expressed his satisfaction with the growth in his game throughout the tournament. “I’ve seen so many big improvements in my game this week, that’s what I’m most happy about,” he remarked, emphasizing his confidence in executing shots without hesitation. At just 22 years old, Shelton aims for his third ATP Tour title, having previously won events in Tokyo and Houston.
Khachanov’s victory was no less dramatic; after saving a match point, he reflected on the close nature of the match, stating, “If the ball touches the net and drops over we wouldn’t be talking now.” This final marks a significant moment as both players have displayed exceptional talent and resilience during the tournament, which lost its top players due to withdrawals but has still provided thrilling matches.
Fans can look forward to an exciting showdown between two players on the rise, making it a significant event in the tennis calendar. This final is a chance for Shelton to continue his impressive momentum, while Khachanov seeks to add another title to his collection.