FRISCO, Texas — In a matchup that promises to showcase American tennis at its finest, top-seeded Taylor Fritz and second-seeded Ben Shelton advanced to the Dallas Open final on Saturday night, setting the stage for an all-U.S. showdown between the highest-ranked players from their country.
Fritz, ranked seventh in the world, secured his spot with a straight-sets victory over unseeded Marin Cilic, winning 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3) in a match filled with powerful serving. The 28-year-old California native fired 22 aces and faced no break points, improving his head-to-head record against the 37-year-old Croatian to 3-1. Cilic, the 2014 U.S. Open champion who was chasing his 600th career singles win, countered with 38 aces of his own but struggled with eight double faults that proved costly.
Fritz closed out the first set with three consecutive aces after Cilic had saved two set points, according to reports from the event. In the second set tiebreaker, one of Cilic's double faults gave Fritz an early edge, and he converted his first match point when Cilic's return sailed long. Despite saving all five break points he faced, Cilic couldn't overcome Fritz's serving dominance in the indoor hard-court match at the Ford Center at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility.
Meanwhile, Shelton, the ninth-ranked player at 23 years old, staged a dramatic comeback to defeat defending champion Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4). The young American from Florida, fresh off a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open where he fell in straight sets to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, rallied from a set down for the second straight match after beating Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarters.
Shelton's turning point came early in the second set at 1-1, when he faced three break points on his serve. A scintillating crosscourt forehand winner ignited his momentum, allowing him to hold and eventually force a decider. Later, Shelton earned two set points on Shapovalov's serve and converted the second to level the match. In the third-set tiebreaker, he captured three of the last four points, sealing the win with yet another forehand winner.
The crowd at the 12,000-seat venue erupted as Shelton reflected on the final lineup. “Are you guys telling me that’s the final you want to see?” he asked, drawing cheers from the fans. “I’m super-excited for that matchup,” Shelton added, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the clash.
This will be the third meeting between Fritz and Shelton, who have split their previous two encounters. Fritz, a 10-time ATP Tour title winner, brings experience to the court, while Shelton, with three career titles, represents the rising generation of American talent. The final, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, offers either player a chance to claim the Dallas Open trophy and boost their standing ahead of the hard-court swing leading to the majors.
The Dallas Open, an ATP 250 event in its second year at the Cowboys' headquarters, has quickly become a key stop on the tour, attracting top American players amid a push to grow the sport domestically. Fritz, who reached the U.S. Open final in 2024, has been a consistent performer, reaching semifinals or better in several recent tournaments. His serve, often clocking over 130 mph, has been a weapon throughout the week.
Shelton's path to the final underscores his resilience. After dropping the opening set to Shapovalov, the seventh seed and 2023 champion, Shelton found his rhythm. Shapovalov, known for his left-handed flair, put up a fight but couldn't maintain the early lead. The Canadian, who has battled injuries in recent years, was broken twice in the second set as Shelton mounted his comeback.
Fritz's semifinal against Cilic was a serving clinic, with neither player breaking serve. Fritz didn't face a single break point, a testament to his improved return game this year. Cilic, returning to form after a career marked by highs like his 2014 Grand Slam triumph, showed flashes of his power but fell short in the clutch moments. “He served incredibly well,” Fritz said post-match, acknowledging his opponent's effort.
For Shelton, the win over Shapovalov avenged a loss from last year's tournament and continued his strong form on North American hard courts. Shelton's Australian Open run, where he upset several seeded players before meeting Sinner, has elevated his profile. At 23, he's already positioned as a potential heir to the American tennis throne, especially with peers like Fritz leading the charge.
The all-American final carries significance beyond the trophy. With no U.S. men reaching the top five in the ATP rankings for years, Fritz and Shelton's presence in the top 10 signals a resurgence. The United States Tennis Association has invested heavily in youth development, and events like the Dallas Open provide platforms for these stars to shine locally.
Looking ahead, the winner will gain valuable ranking points and confidence heading into upcoming events like the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Fritz, aiming for his 11th career title, could use a strong showing to challenge for a top-five spot. Shelton, meanwhile, eyes building on his breakout year to make deeper runs in the Slams.
As the sun sets on another day of high-stakes tennis in Texas, fans are buzzing about Sunday's final. With both players in top form and a partisan crowd behind them, the match could go down to the wire, much like their semifinal battles. For now, the focus remains on preparation, with Fritz and Shelton knowing an American champion will be crowned in Dallas.
The Dallas Open continues to deliver excitement, blending elite competition with the unique backdrop of NFL facilities. Organizers report strong attendance, underscoring the event's growing appeal in a market hungry for sports entertainment.