At the National Bank Open 2025 tennis tournament, America's Ben Shelton clinched the men's singles title, while Canada's 18-year-old Victoria Mboko created history by winning her first WTA Tour title in women's singles.
Sports News: Continuing his impressive form, America's Ben Shelton has secured the third and biggest title of his career at the National Bank Open tennis tournament. In a thrilling match, he faced tough competition from Russia's 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov in the final, ultimately defeating him with a close score of 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3). The 22-year-old, seeded fourth, has become the first American player since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win the Masters 1000 hard-court competition.
Ben Shelton Claims Third Masters 1000 Title
In a highly exciting final, 22-year-old Ben Shelton defeated Russia's 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (3) to win his third and biggest Masters 1000 title to date. Shelton is the first American player after Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a Masters 1000 title on hard court. He previously won on the Tokyo hard court in 2023 and on the Houston clay court last year.
With this victory, Ben Shelton will reach a career-best sixth position in the world rankings, marking a major milestone in his career. In the men's doubles final, the pair of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool defeated Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski 6-3, 6-7 (5), 13-11 to win the title.
Victoria Mboko Wins First WTA Tour Title in Women's Singles
Canada's 18-year-old Victoria Mboko completed a dream run at the National Bank Open. She won her first WTA Tour title by defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final in three sets with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. Osaka dominated in the first set, but Mboko played with patience and confidence, making a comeback to claim the title. Following this victory, Mboko will jump from 85th to 25th place in the world rankings.
Victoria Mboko has become the third Canadian player to win the title of this prestigious tournament. Before her, this success was achieved by Faye Urban in 1969 and Bianca Andreescu in 2019. Mboko, who entered the tournament with a wild card, received ample support from the audience throughout the match. After Osaka hit a shot into the net on match point, Mboko fell to her knees, sending the audience into a frenzy of joy.
She also became the third player to win a WTA 1000 title as a wild card entrant, following Maria Sharapova (2011 Cincinnati) and Bianca Andreescu (2019 Indian Wells).
Venus Williams Loses at Cincinnati Open
Former world number 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams was eliminated from the Cincinnati Open after losing to Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-4 in the first round. Venus returned this month after being away from the sport for over a year. Her next goal is the US Open, where she has received a wild card entry in mixed doubles with her partner Reilly Opelka.
Venus, along with her sister Serena Williams, has won 14 Grand Slams in women's doubles and two titles in mixed doubles. This was the first match between 45-year-old Venus and 22-year-old Maneiro, who reached the quarter-finals of the National Bank Open in Montreal last week.
