FRISCO, Texas – In an exciting match at the Dallas Open, Ben Shelton, the second seed and currently ranked number 9 in the ATP rankings, defeated Taylor Fritz, the top seed and number 7 in the world, in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Shelton managed to save three match points before securing the victory, demonstrating his tenacity and skill on the court. The final score was 3-6, 6-3, and 7-5, in a match that will be remembered by those present. This victory marks Shelton’s fourth ATP title in his professional career. The American tennis player once again demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, consolidating his position as one of the most promising players on the circuit.
The final represented the first encounter between the top two seeds since the event moved to Dallas in 2022. Shelton demonstrated his ability to recover by coming back, as he lost the first set in each of the last three rounds of the tournament. The match was full of key moments. Shelton had to deal with the pressure of three match points against him in the third set, managing to stay calm and force the game to tie the score at 5-5. Then, he had three opportunities to close out the match on his serve. Fritz, for his part, demonstrated a high level of play, especially in the first set, where his serve was dominant. However, Shelton managed to change the course of the match by breaking Fritz’s serve in the second set, which gave him the necessary advantage to take the victory. At the decisive moment, Fritz, with three opportunities to close out the match, couldn’t capitalize on them. Shelton, with an aggressive and effective game, managed to save the match points and ultimately secure the victory. It hurts, but not as much as I expected, because I don’t regret how I played those match points. A double fault from Fritz gave Shelton three break points at 5-5. Shelton took advantage of the second break opportunity when Fritz’s forehand went long. An ace on the second serve gave Shelton three match points, and he converted the second when Fritz’s return attempt on Shelton’s approach shot fell short.This was an incredible match. The level of play was amazing.
Ben Shelton
