At the Canadian Open final held in Toronto on July 10, 2025, American tennis star Ben Shelton encountered a mid-match injury scare against Russian opponent Karen Khachanov, raising concerns about his ability to clinch the event. Shelton, who had impressed as the world No. 7 with dominant performances leading into the final, called for a medical timeout due to a problem in his quadriceps.

Shelton’s Impressive Path to the Final

Ben Shelton had appeared unstoppable throughout the Canadian Open, exhibiting remarkable skill and confidence at just 22 years old. The rising American talent had decisively overcome several challengers, including a straight-sets victory over compatriot Taylor Fritz in the semifinals. Shelton’s dominance even frustrated Fritz to the point of a racket break following the loss, highlighting the intensity of their encounter. The tennis community had rallied around Shelton as a strong favorite to win the championship.

Injury Disrupts the Title Match Momentum

The final match began with a tense exchange, where Khachanov managed to take the first set in a tiebreak, putting Shelton on the back foot. The American bounced back admirably by winning the second set and leveling the contest. However, shortly after, Shelton was forced to halt play and call for medical attention due to discomfort in his quad muscle, located at the front of his thigh. This pause introduced uncertainty into the tightly fought match, as the severity of the injury was unclear.

Medical Time Out and Treatment on the Court

During the medical timeout, treatments were administered to Shelton’s quadriceps in an effort to alleviate the strain and enable him to continue competing. Observers and fans watched anxiously as the young player received care, hoping that he could recover quickly enough to maintain his chances of securing the title. The interruption underscored the physical demands and challenges elite athletes face during major tournaments.

The Stakes and What Lies Ahead

The injury raises questions about whether Ben Shelton can overcome this obstacle to win the Canadian Open or if Khachanov will capitalize on the situation. Given Shelton’s impressive trajectory and strong performances throughout the tournament, fans and analysts remain cautiously optimistic but aware of the risks involved in competing with a possible quad injury. The outcome of this match could have implications for Shelton’s momentum heading into upcoming tournaments.