Karen Khachanov defeated Alexander Zverev, but he lost in the final: Ben Shelton secured his first Masters title in a tennis thriller in Toronto.
The 22-year-old American defeated in the final of the ATP-1000 events The Russian and Zverev conqueror Karen Khachanov with 6: 7 (5: 7), 6: 4, 7: 6 (7: 3) and is the first US professional since Andy Roddick in 2003, who won the tournament in Canada.
In the world rankings now sixth
“It’s a surreal feeling”said Shelton, who after the match Cheers fell into his father Bryan’s arms on the grandstand. The former ATP professional looks after his son as a coach. Shelton will climb sixth in the world rankings in the world rankings and thus Grand Slam-Cords winner Novak Djokovic overtake.
Hard -fought
The hard -fought final lasted 2:45 hours and was thrilling. Shelton, whose right thigh was strongly bandaged, seemed in the meantime – but increased at the crucial moment.
In the Tie break The left -handed turned away early on the third set and converted his second match ball. The 29-year-old Khachanov, who had eliminated the German number one Alexander Zverev in the semifinals with a three-set win, had the better nerves in the tie break in the first set.
Confusion through technical problems
In the second round, technical problems with the electronic Hawk-Eye-T system for confusion: the line calls failed for minutes before the system ran again after an interruption.
Shelton could not be brought out of rhythm. With 16 aces and aggressive basic line, he turned the game – and celebrated his greatest career success so far. It is after his victories in Tokyo (2023) and Houston (2024) The third ATP title of the Wimbledon-Quarter finalists.