Tommy Paul vs. Ben Shelton was expected to be one of the semifinal matchups when the Dallas Open draw came out last week and that is exactly what has come to fruition.
The two on-the-rise Americans will face each other for the fourth time in their careers on Saturday, with Shelton leading the head-to-head series 2-1. After Paul prevailed 7-6(6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the 2023 Australian Open quarterfinals, Shelton took the next two meetings (6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 at the U.S. Open and 7-6(4), 6-3 in Tokyo).
Those were the two best tournaments of Shelton’s young career. The 21-year-old made a run to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows and captured his first-ever ATP title at the Tokyo 500. Shelton’s “sophomore” season on tour is off to a solid but unspectacular start. This is his second semifinal appearance (previously in Auckland) and he reached the third round Down Under (lost to Adrian Mannarino). So far in Dallas the world No. 16 has dismissed Michael Mmoh (6-3, 6-3) and Jordan Thompson (6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4).
Paul has been dominant so far this week. The No. 2 seed opened with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of Auckland runner-up Taro Daniel and then beat an in-form Dominik Koepfer 7-5, 6-4.
There is no denying that the match is on Shelton’s racket. However, after losing just three service points against Mmoh he dropped 28 against Thompson and the outcome of that quarterfinal contest may been different had Shelton not saved all six of the break points he faced.
Paul has been the best player in Dallas up to this point and will be motivated avenge his two recent setbacks at the hands of his compatriot. Unless Shelton serves incredibly well, look for the 26-year-old to advance.
Pick: Paul in 3
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