The National Bank Open saw its semifinals deliver heart-stopping drama, as emerging talent and veteran grit set the stage for a compelling championship showdown.
Ben Shelton showcased composure under fire in an all-American clash, dispatching fellow U.S. star Taylor Fritz in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, to reach his first-ever ATP Masters 1000 final. Shelton's return game was exceptional—he created six break-point opportunities in three of Fritz’s service games and capitalized decisively. The 22-year-old now stands just one win away from capturing his first Masters title.
In a fiercely contested semifinal earlier, Karen Khachanov edged top seed Alexander Zverev in a nail-biting three-set thriller, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4). Khachanov even saved a match point before rattling off five straight points in the final-set tiebreak to punch his ticket to just his second-ever Masters 1000 final.
With those wins, Shelton and Khachanov will collide for the title tomorrow, setting up a classic contest between youthful momentum and seasoned poise. Fans can expect nothing short of fireworks as the tournament heads toward its final match.
