Toronto Masters: Khachanov overcomes Zverev to set up surprise final with Shelton
After a thrilling three-set battle against Alexander Zverev (6-3, 4-6, 7-6), Karen Khachanov secured his spot in the Toronto Masters 1000 final on Wednesday night. The Russian will face American Ben Shelton in a surprising and refreshing final.
Khachanov Toronto 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
Three hours of fierce competition, a saved match point, and a final-set tiebreaker. Karen Khachanov claimed one of his most hard-earned victories of the season, outlasting Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals of the Canadian Open (6-3, 4-6, 7-6[4]). The 29-year-old Russian advances to his second career Masters 1000 final, nearly seven years after his breakthrough title in Paris-Bercy in 2018.
“At this stage, both players deserve to win,” he reflected in his press conference. “It often comes down to who makes fewer mistakes or applies more pressure in the key moments.”
One match point saved – then the turning point
In a tense final set, Zverev earned a match point at 6-5 on the Russian’s serve. But the net saved Khachanov — the German’s backhand clipped the tape and dropped back on his own side. It was a defining moment. In the deciding tiebreak, Khachanov stormed back from 1-3 down to 6-3, and sealed the win with an ace.
“I was up 3-1 in the breaker and then lost five points in a row… I’m not sure what happened, but he was solid. He deserves his spot,” admitted Zverev in the mixed zone.
A long-awaited return to a big final
This will be Khachanov’s first final in Toronto, after falling in the semis in both 2018 and 2019. It’s another milestone in a career built on resilience and regular appearances in the latter stages of major events.
“I’m super happy and proud. Even if it’s been a while since my last Masters final, I’ve had good Grand Slam results these past years. This one proves I’m still capable of going deep in big tournaments,” the Russian said.
A longer format to adapt to
Toronto’s new 12-day format has been a notable change for players, slowing down the pace between matches — and not everyone is a fan : “It’s somewhere between a regular Masters and a Slam,” Khachanov explained. “Mentally, it takes more focus over a longer period. It’s not easy.”
He also admitted that he didn’t enjoy the conditions at first: “When I arrived here, I really didn’t like it at all (laughs). But that’s part of the game — you adapt. That’s tennis.”
A surprising final against Shelton
Khachanov will face 22-year-old Ben Shelton in the final, after the American dismissed Taylor Fritz in straight sets (6-4, 6-3). Neither player was seeded in this tournament — a rare scenario at this stage of a Masters 1000 event.
The Russian lost to Shelton earlier this year at Indian Wells, but this time his experience may give him the edge over the explosive left-hander, who will be contesting the first Masters 1000 final of his career.
Toronto Masters 1000, other semi-final result (Aviva Centre, hard, USD 9.193.540):
- Ben Shelton vs. Taylor Fritz
