“You know, the liquid power comes from all the connected links of your body working together at the right time as efficiently as possible, and that’s where you get the guy who generated tremendous power, and Ben does everything needed.” These were the words of ex-pro Stan Smith, last year, while describing American youngster Ben Shelton’s style of hitting serves. He had already shown his capabilities during the US Open in 2023. Back then, the youngster hit shots that touched speeds ranging between 147 and 149 mph. And two years later, he’s only added to his monstrous serving style, increasing the speed level even further. So if you happen to be at the receiving end – god bless you.

Remember how a fan in the crowd last month, at the Citi Open, almost got hit by Shelton’s bullet-like ace? Interestingly, the fan had already received a prior warning. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you are sitting in the first row, when the players are serving, please pay attention. The ball is coming really fast,” informed the chair umpire beforehand. The female spectator was fortunate as the ball only hit her leg. But what about the ball kids on the court? Well, they are not so lucky most of the time – and Shelton knows it well.

After winning his maiden Masters 1000 title on Thursday night in Toronto, Shelton had a special message for all the ball kids. The American beat Karen Khachanov in the Canadian Open final with a score line of 6-7, 6-4, 7-6(3). During the presentation ceremony, the ATP pro couldn’t help but express his gratitude to the ball kids who had to suffer due to his lethal shots, owing to a “dangerous” event rule. Shelton began, “I want to thank the ball kids. You guys have a policy here where when we hit a serve, you’re supposed to try to catch it out of the air. And I’m not sure who came up with that.”

Amazed by the ball kids’ courage, he added, “It seems a little bit dangerous, but a few of y’all caught. I hit it like 230 (kmph). You caught it out of the air. Surely, You guys have some kind of career in professional sports. Because that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen. If there’s any broken fingers, I’m sorry.”

Coming back to match result, it was one hell of a rollercoaster ride for Shelton. It wasn’t just the on-court pressure to beat a formidable opponent like Khachanov, but to overcome his own physical limitations too. However, the 22-year-old emerged victorious on both the fronts. And his reaction after becoming the champion was “surreal” to say the least.

Ben Shelton defies pain to win a thrilling Canadian Open final

Khachanov initially dominated the American and won the first set. However, Ben Shelton came back strongly and settled the scores. But the match saw a shocking twist immediately when Shelton called for a medical time out. Things looked scary but got resolved soon. He had an issue in his quad area (on the front of the thigh) for which he got a quick treatment and was good to go eventually.

After resuming, Shelton became even more determined to capture his maiden ATP Masters 1000 trophy. Despite struggling in the final set at one point, 4-5, he didn’t give up. The youngster pushed the result into a tiebreak before defeating Khachanov. “It’s a surreal feeling,” he revealed during the interview. With the latest win, Shelton has stretched his H2H lead to 2-0 over the Russian pro. Earlier this season, he bested him at the Indian Wells too.

Reflecting on his entire Toronto campaign, Ben Shelton added, “It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient. All the qualities I like to see in myself.”

Moreover, he’s also become the youngest American to win an ATP 1000-level tournament in 21 years. Back in 2004, former pro Andy Roddick had won the Miami Open title when he was 21.

Ahead of the US Open, the Canadian Open triumph will provide a much-needed confidence boost to the 22-year-old. But guess what? He will get to prepare more on the hard court before landing in New York. Just a day after his win in Toronto, Shelton is set to resume action at the Cincinnati Open.