Ben Shelton clinched his first title of the season and fourth ATP Tour title by overcoming Taylor Fritz in the Dallas Open final. Shelton, aged 23, rallied from a set down to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory, saving three championship points in a tense 10th game of the final set.
In a thrilling one-hour, 51-minute match, Shelton now boasts a 2-1 head-to-head record against Fritz in ATP encounters. Notably, since the start of 2025, Shelton has excelled in deciding-set matches, holding an 11-4 record, including nine victories after losing the first set, as per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
Following his triumph, Shelton expressed his elation, attributing his success to divine intervention amidst challenging circumstances. He acknowledged the support of the crowd and his resilience in battling Fritz’s formidable play, emphasizing the hard work put in by himself and his team.
Despite his defeat in the final, Fritz can take pride in reaching his 20th tour-level final. The top-ranked American player now looks ahead to the ATP 250 event in Delray Beach, where he will feature as the top seed. Fritz commended Shelton for his exceptional performance in the final, acknowledging his opponent’s prowess in crucial moments.
