National Bank Open Final: Karen Khachanov vs. Ben Shelton Picks, Odds, and Preview (Aug 7)

An interesting final in the Men’s National Bank Open is set for Thursday evening, as American star Ben Shelton collides with Karen Khachanov. Both players will be aiming to maintain their excellent form ahead of the start of the US Open, but which player will come out on top in Toronto?

Karen Khachanov vs. Ben Shelton Overview

Odds

Karen Khachanov vs. Ben Shelton Head-to-Head Record

This will only be the second meeting between Khachanov and Shelton. The American holds the advantage after landing a straight sets success at Indian Wells earlier this year.

Match Preview

Ben Shelton has long been considered to be one of the fastest growing stars in U.S. tennis, and he could finally deliver on that promise with a major success in an ATP 1000 event. Shelton is a three-time winner in ATP 500 events, which includes successes on hard courts in Japan and Switzerland in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

However, Shelton’s game has reached new heights during the National Bank Open. That has been reflected across the last two rounds after winning against Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz in straight sets. The win over the latter came in the previous round, as Shelton won a staggering 86% of the points on the first serve.

Karen Khachanov will be playing in his second ATP 1000 event. The Russian previously won the title at the Paris Masters in 2018. Khachanov has constantly threatened to perform at high levels, reaching semi-finals on the hard courts at the Australian and US Opens since the start of 2022.

His excellent form in Canada continued in the semi-final after eliminating top-seeded Alexander Zverev with a battling three-set win. A tight encounter saw the Russian hit 105 winners, while he won 73% of the points on the first serve.

Karen Khachanov vs. Ben Shelton Picks

This is a golden opportunity for Shelton to land a first event success at the highest level.

The American has been in excellent form throughout the National Bank Open, and his big-serving style could be the key to his success in the final on Thursday. However, we wouldn’t be surprised to see all three sets required this week.