Shelton will rise to a career-high world number 6 ranking when the points are updated next week. Not since Andy Roddick in Miami in 2004 has an American under 22 won a Masters 1000 title. This also marks the first time in years that the United States has two men's players in the top 6, with Taylor Fritz currently at number 4.

Shelton celebrates his Masters 1000 title in Toronto, Canada on the evening of 7/8. Photo: Reuters

Shelton celebrates his Masters 1000 title in Toronto, Canada on the evening of 7/8. Photo: Reuters

Shelton defeated Fritz in the semi-final. However, the match against Khachanov proved more challenging. He was down 0-40 while serving to end the second set but saved four break points to win the set and force a decider. Shelton lost the first set tie-break despite leading 5-3 and serving.

Both Shelton and Khachanov served well, each with a first-serve winning percentage above 72%. Shelton’s 16 aces, with an average first-serve speed of 202 km/h, gave him the edge. This advantage was crucial in the third-set tie-break, where neither player faced a break point. Shelton went up 5-2 and held on to win 7-3, despite Khachanov saving two match points.

"It was a long road to this title," Shelton stated after his victory. "My peak performance came at the perfect time. I played exceptionally well and persevered, qualities I want to see more of in myself."

The Rogers Cup is Shelton’s third ATP Tour title, following victories in Tokyo and Houston. The American has won titles in each of the last three seasons and is prepared for upcoming hard-court events, including the US Open.

"I was pushed to my limits by excellent players like Khachanov, and before that, Fritz and Alex de Minaur," Shelton added, reflecting on his two weeks of strong play. The fourth seed navigated a tough tournament with five tie-breaks and several tense, extended matches. His stamina and focus ultimately led him to victory at one of the year’s biggest events.

Shelton’s win-loss record for the year stands at 32-16. He will next compete in the Cincinnati Masters next week, which sees the return of the world's top two players, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Vy Anh