Toronto Masters: Khachanov Battles Past Zverev To Set Up Shelton Summit Clash

Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 10:50 IST

Karen Khachanov registered a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Alexander Zverev, while American Ben Shelton beat compatriot Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3 to punch his ticket to the final.

Karen Khachanov of Russia hits a return to Alexander Zverev of Germany during semifinal tennis action at the National Bank Open in Toronto on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Karen Khachanov moved into the final of the ATP Toronto Masters following his semifinal triumph over German top seed Alexander Zverev, while Ben Shelton got the better of Taylor Fritz in the other final-four encounter.

Khachanov registered a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Zverev, while American Shelton beat compatriot Fritz 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets to punch his ticket to the final.

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Russian Khachanov had lost in two previous semi-finals in Canada. However, he persevered to advance, saving a match point to level the deciding set at 6-6, as world number three Zverev hit a backhand into the top tape of the net.

The German made 44 unforced errors in the nearly three-hour defeat, while Khachanov recorded 29 winners and 34 unforced errors.

“I had to work hard, dig deep and do my best," Khachanov said. “It was very demanding physically and mentally."

“We’ve had many matches, and I’m pleased to beat him after losing some easier ones," added Khachanov, who lost to Zverev in the Tokyo Olympic singles final. “Today was tough – I was down match point."

“I’m just happy things went my way in the end."

Khachanov noted it got tense towards the finish, stating, “When you reach the final tiebreak, you have to play your best. You can’t waste time and energy on negative thoughts, or you won’t succeed. You never know what will happen, but you have to try."

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Khachanov will be playing his first final of the season after semi-final defeats in Barcelona and Halle.

Shelton and Fritz had to wait briefly when a problem with the electronic line-calling system arose as they took the court.

However, that did not affect 22-year-old Shelton, the world number seven, who had beaten Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals. With the win over Fritz, he secured his first back-to-back victories over top 10 opponents.

US Open finalist Fritz had to save four break points in the third game of the match and was broken in the ninth game, allowing Shelton to serve for the set.

Shelton seized a second break for a 3-2 lead in the second set, landing a perfect lob over Fritz’s head and holding at love for a 5-3 lead.

He closed out the match with another break, while Fritz broke his racquet over his knee after double-faulting on match point.

“I’m happy with my level and how I executed," Shelton said.

“I’ve seen so many big improvements in my game this week. That’s what I’m most pleased about, how I’m executing, how little I’m hesitating, and how I’m returning. Beating two top 10 guys back-to-back is huge for me," the American added.

“I felt I had the ball on a string," he added. “I’m excited to play like this, hitting the ball and expecting it to go in," he concluded.

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Canada

First Published:

August 07, 2025, 10:50 IST

News sports Toronto Masters: Khachanov Battles Past Zverev To Set Up Shelton Summit Clash

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