Richard Pagliaro | Friday, August 8, 2025
Image source: Matthew Calvis
Ben Sheldon A dynamic breakthrough was made in Toronto.
Shelton, 22, Karen Khachanov Since 21-year-old Andy Roddick has become the youngest ATP Masters 1000 champion in the National Bank Open 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3) in the National Bank Open, winning the 2004 Miami Open.
Sheldon’s resilient Sheldon won three of his six Toronto games in the decisive third set tiebreak, including defeating fellow Brandon Nakashima 6-7 (8), 6-2, 7-6 (5), and sending a competition in one game, which looks like it’s sending a competition in one game.
Facing the mighty Khachanov, Shelton played his most active tennis in the third set decisive game.
“Yes, it’s really nice. I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Sheldon said. “I feel like this week was a perfect storm for me. A lot of tense games, long games, playing some of the best tennis I’ve played this year. To end the week the way I do, especially with my opponent today and the way he plays, I can’t be happier.”
Shelton rose to Novak Djokovic to sixth in the ATP rankings, sharing the secrets of his star show in Toronto.
One of the athletes in the sport has won each of six wins at the National Bank Open.
Former quarterback Shelton looked at a page from his football game and watched the movies of each of his Toronto opponents. Sheldon said the video study gave him a deeper understanding of opponents’ tendencies while improving his tennis IQ
“For me, it’s in the late stages of the game, playing with people who play tennis, looking at where I play, looking at where my weaknesses are and where I can get better,” Sheldon told Toronto media. “I think watching movies is an important thing for me, something I haven’t done in the past, and as of late, it’s a matching thing for me, at least watching a game or a group of guys I’m playing start to end.
“I think it’s an important game, maybe I’ve overlooked a little bit in the past, or don’t think it’s important because I wanted to impose the game on anyone I’m playing, but it’s an important part of the game. I think my tennis IQ and my tennis are going to get better and need to get better and need to get better.”
The Australian Open player has created a wonderful reel finish in Toronto and intends to have an in-depth match at the U.S. Open later this month.
“I hope I’m a little kicking this week to make me more in line with the type of tennis I want to play day after day,” Sheldon said. “It’s sure to push me.”
Work hard. I feel that I really suit me right now for the people who play for the players I play and the things I need to keep working on. ”
