Ben Shelton survives three championship points to stun Taylor Fritz in Dallas thriller

In a collision of American powerhouses, Ben Shelton clinched the Nexo Dallas Open title on Sunday evening, edging out top seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. The 23-year-old world No. 9 displayed immense “warrior energy,” recovering from a set down for the third consecutive match to secure his fourth career ATP title. “A crazy match to be part of”, said the two payers during the trophy ceremony.

The victory also marked Shelton’s eighth career win over a top-10 opponent, confirming his status as one of the most dangerous problem-solvers in the professional game.

“I thought Taylor’s level was amazing, Shelton said. What you’ve done this year dealing with adversity, fighting through injuries and nags here and there. You’re an inspiration to all I think that every kid at home should watch how hard you compete day in and out when you’re not feeling 100%. I just want to congratulate you guys. You’re doing amazing.”

The final was defined by its relentless pace and spectacular shot-making. Fritz, ranked No. 7, appeared to be in total command early on, taking the opening set with clinical serving. However, Shelton’s resilience surfaced in the second set, where he navigated treacherous moments by saving crucial break points at 1-1 and 3-3.

Shelton’s survival instinct

His ability to remain aggressive behind his second serve ultimately proved to be the statistical difference-maker in a contest where both players recorded a staggering 39% of unreturned serves.

The drama peaked in the deciding set. With the vocal Texas crowd on its feet, Shelton faced three match points against the tournament’s top seed at 5-4. Each time, the left-hander produced spectacular winners to stay alive.

After surviving the brink of defeat, Shelton turned the momentum, breaking Fritz late in the set and finally converting his third match point of the game to seal the title in two hours and 14 minutes.

Shelton’s path to the trophy was a masterclass in endurance. He won his final four matches of the tournament in three sets, including gritty victories over Canadian Denis Shapovalov (4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4)), Miomir Kecmanovic (5-7, 6-3, 6-4), and Adrian Mannarino (7-6 (2), 6-7 (4), 6-3). He opened his campaign with a straight-sets win over Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 6-4.

Fritz reached the final following a series of tight tiebreak battles against Marin Cilic, Sebastian Korda, and Marcos Giron, but he could not find the final blow to stop Shelton’s momentum.