Ben Shelton says what he thinks of Karen Khachanov as a person ahead of their final at the Canadian Open

Ben Shelton will play Karen Khachanov in the first Masters 1000 final of his career at the Canadian Open.

Shelton has overcome controversy and top quality opponents en route to the final in Toronto, with his latest victory coming over his compatriot Taylor Fritz.

The world number seven is known for his huge serve, but Shelton has surprised opponents with other attributes at the Canadian Open this year.

Shelton will now play Khachanov, who has reached his first ATP 1000 final since winning the Paris Masters title in 2018.

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Ben Shelton reveals what he really thinks about Karen Khachanov

This will be just the second time that Shelton has played Khachanov in his career, winning their only previous meeting at Indian Wells earlier this year.

Now ahead of the Canadian Open final, Shelton has revealed what he actually thinks about Khachanov as a person.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Shelton was full of praise for the former world number eight.

“Yeah, it’s a tough match,” began Shelton. “He’s been playing really, really good tennis this whole week. We played earlier this year, it was in Indian Wells, it was a tough match.

“He’s rock solid baseliner, serves really well, and great competitor. So, I love him, really nice guy, and really looking forward for that first opportunity in a Masters final.”

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Prior to the Canadian Open this year, Shelton had never surpassed even the quarterfinal stage of any Masters 1000 tournament.

The Canadian Open has been a springboard for many players in recent years including Jannik Sinner, who won his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto two years ago.

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Since then, Sinner has won four Grand Slam titles and has reigned as world number one since June last year.

Shelton was subsequently asked if he thinks winning the Canadian Open could do something similar for his own career, something he appeared to suggest he believes could be the case.

“Yeah, it’s huge,” responded Shelton. “Talked about how the Masters were the one level of tournaments that I’ve been struggling with, and my next step is being able to excel in these tournaments. So taking that first step and getting my first deep run under my belt is exciting.”

Shelton will look to close in on his goals when he bids to win the biggest title of his career so far at the Canadian Open.

The Toronto final between Shelton and Khachanov will take place at 7:30pm local time on Thursday, August 7.

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