Ben Shelton made headlines at the Nexo Dallas Open by staging an impressive comeback in the final, defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz in a nail-biting match that finished with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. This victory not only marked Shelton’s first title of the season but also the fourth of his burgeoning career.
The final was a dramatic affair as Shelton faced defeat after losing the first set. However, the 23-year-old showcased remarkable resilience. After recovering his footing in the second set, he battled through a tense final set, even saving three championship points during a critical moment in the tenth game. “I had to fight until the last minute. Fritz was playing very good tennis, and I was struggling a lot with what he was throwing at me,” Shelton remarked post-match, emphasizing his determination to secure the win.
With the match lasting one hour and 51 minutes, Shelton’s relentless pursuit paid off when he conceded only three additional points after holding firm at 5-all. This pivotal game propelled him towards victory, sealing the match in dramatic fashion. “It feels amazing,” he shared. “I thank God, because I needed something supernatural to end up winning this tournament with all the holes that I was in.”
Fritz, the top seed and favorite going into the match, expressed his disappointment but acknowledged Shelton’s superior performance in crucial moments. Despite having opportunities to take control, he was unable to capitalize fully, particularly after battling back to level the deciding set. “Once I get a set, I feel pretty confident,” Shelton noted, reflecting on his ability to find rhythm and assertiveness as the match progressed.
Although this loss was tough for Fritz, it still represented a solid milestone as he reached his 20th tour-level final. Looking ahead, he will compete in the ATP 250 event in Delray Beach, where he will aim to bounce back as the top seed.
During the trophy presentation, Fritz congratulated Shelton, saying, “It was a crazy match, a fun match to be a part of — until the end… He played great and, in the end, he played the big points and important moments really well.” This final showcased not only Shelton’s rising talent but also the spirit of competition that defines the sport, as both players left everything on the court in an electrifying showcase of tennis.
