Frisco, USA, Feb. 15 — Top-seeded Taylor Fritz defeated Marin Cilic 7-6(5), 7-6(3) and No. 2 Ben Shelton rallied past defending champion Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4) Saturday to set up an all-American final at the Dallas Open between the country’s two highest-ranked men.
Fritz, 28, served 22 aces in the straight-sets victory and did not face a break point en route to his third win in four meetings with the 37-year-old Cilic. Fritz, a 10-time ATP Tour winner and the 2024 U.S. Open finalist, converted three set points in the first-set tiebreak and three match points in the second when Cilic’s return went long.
Cilic relied on his serve to survive several tight moments, producing 38 aces himself and saving all five break points he faced. The 2014 U.S. Open champion committed eight double faults and was aiming for his 600th career singles victory.
Shelton, 23, recovered from a set down for the second straight match — having also come back to beat Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarters — sparking his comeback with a brilliant crosscourt forehand while facing three break points early in the second set. He later earned two set points on Shapovalov’s serve, converting the second to force a decider and then taking three of the final four points in the tiebreak to seal the win.
The victory sets a clash between world No. 7 Fritz and Shelton, who sits two ranking spots lower. Shelton, who has three tour titles, fired up the crowd at the indoor football stadium — a practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys at the team’s headquarters — asking, “Are you guys telling me that’s the final you want to see?” and adding, “I’m super-excited for that matchup.”
Both matches showcased tense, high-quality tennis and big-serving displays. Fritz’s precise serving and tiebreak composure contrasted with Shelton’s resilience and forehand aggression, leaving fans with an evenly matched final to anticipate on Sunday. (AP)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/02/16/taylor-fritz-ben-shelton-set-for-dallas-open-final/
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Publish Date: 2026-02-16 06:32:00
