Defending champion Shapovalov and top-seeded Fritz headline star-studded Dallas semifinals
The final four at the Nexo Dallas Open is set after a high-stakes Friday in Frisco, featuring a clash of heavyweights as defending champion Denis Shapovalov prepares to meet home favorite Ben Shelton.
Denis Shapovalov, Los Cabos 2025 | © Imago / PsNewz
Canadian Denis Shapovalov, the No. 7 seed, kept his title defense alive by overcoming a slow start against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Saturday night. Shapovalov rallied from a set down to secure a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory, relying on his explosive serve and clinical net play to dismantle the third seed’s defenses.
Having already dispatched Aleksandar Kovacevic and qualifier Rafael Jodar earlier in the week, the World No. 40 is recapturing the indoor form that led him to the trophy here in 2025.
Shapovalov’s next hurdle is the second-seeded American Ben Shelton, who advanced after a grueling three-set battle of his own against Miomir Kecmanovic, on a very close score (5-7, 6-3, 6-4). This semifinal promises a display of raw power, with Shelton’s left-handed serve pitted against Shapovalov’s aggressive baseline variety.
The top half of the draw features world No. 7 Taylor Fritz, who survived a tense deciding-set tiebreak against compatriot Sebastian Korda (6-7, 6-4, 7-6). Fritz will face veteran Croatian Marin Cilic, who has enjoyed a resurgence this week after defeating British qualifier Jack Pinnington Jones.
Dallas 2026: Semifinal Lineup (ATP 500)
Taylor Fritz (1) vs. Marin Cilic : Saturday
Denis Shapovalov (7) vs. Ben Shelton (2) : Saturday
