Dallas Open Championship Match Preview
In a thrilling Saturday night at the Dallas Open, top seed Taylor Fritz and second seed Ben Shelton advanced to the championship match, promising an exciting showdown between the two highest-ranked American players.
Fritz’s Dominant Performance
Fritz, currently ranked seventh in the world, achieved a solid straight-set victory against Marin Cilic, winning 7-6(5), 7-6(3). The 28-year-old displayed his formidable serve, launching 22 aces throughout the match, and sealing the first set with a decisive ace after Cilic managed to save two set points.
Cilic, a seasoned competitor and 2014 U.S. Open champion, fought valiantly but struggled with eight double faults and faced significant pressure despite his powerful serving, finishing with 38 total aces. This match marked a critical win for Fritz, who has now triumphed in three out of four encounters with Cilic, edging closer toward another title as he continues to build on his career total of ten ATP Tour championships.
Shelton’s Remarkable Comeback
On the other side of the bracket, 23-year-old Ben Shelton made headlines with a remarkable comeback victory against defending champion Denis Shapovalov. After dropping the first set 4-6, Shelton showcased his resilience, overcoming a mid-set challenge when he faced three break points early in the second. His sharp crosscourt forehand winner ignited his performance, leading him to a 6-4 win in the second set and ultimately securing a 7-6(4) victory in the final set by winning three of the last four points in the tiebreak.
This match was Shelton’s second consecutive comeback win, as he previously rallied from a set down against Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals.
Anticipation for the Final
As both players gear up for what is anticipated to be an electrifying final at the indoor venue, which also serves as the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility, Shelton expressed his excitement, engaging with the crowd about the anticipated matchup. Both Fritz and Shelton have now met twice before and stand with one win each, adding a layer of intrigue to their upcoming battle.
In recent play, Shelton is fresh off a quarterfinals appearance at the Australian Open, where he fell to Jannik Sinner in straight sets, intensifying the stakes for this high-profile matchup at the Dallas Open.
