The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion at the Dallas Open as Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, two of America’s top tennis stars, prepare to face off for the ATP 500 title. This all-American final features the nation’s No. 7 and No. 9 ranked men and promises high-quality tennis for fans.
Shelton advanced to the final after a dramatic semifinal against Denis Shapovalov, defeating the Canadian 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in a match lasting two hours and thirty-five minutes. Shapovalov had entered the tournament on an eight-match Dallas Open winning streak, including last year’s title run where he defeated top-10 opponents such as Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Casper Ruud. Shelton recovered from a first-set loss, saving multiple break points in the second and third sets, including a crucial one at 5-all in the deciding set. In the tiebreak, he won three consecutive points from 3-all to reach triple match point and finished the match with a powerful forehand winner. Both players tallied 111 points, underlining the match’s intensity.
Taylor Fritz advanced by overcoming veteran Marin Cilic in straight sets, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3). The victory marks Fritz’s 20th ATP final, a milestone in his distinguished career. Sunday’s final brings together two of the nation’s leading male players, both chasing their second ATP 500 title. Fritz previously won in Tokyo in 2022, while Shelton captured the same title in 2023.
Their head-to-head record is tied at 1-1. Fritz defeated Shelton at the 2023 Indian Wells tournament 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, but Shelton won the Toronto semifinals later that summer 6-4, 6-3. The Dallas Open final will be their first indoor meeting, adding another layer of intrigue to this high-stakes clash. Fans can expect an electrifying match when these two American stars meet in the championship.
