M 1000 TORONTO. Canada
Ben Shelton, 22-year-old , become the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 champion in two decades after a pulsating final victory over Karen Khachanov at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers Thursday night in Toronto.
Shelton’s victory in his first Masters 1000 final come up clutch when it mattered in the tense 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(3) victory.Shelton becomes the youngest American ATP Masters 1000 champion since 21-year-old Andy Roddick won the 2004 Miami title.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” Shelton said. “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.”