Shelton Defeats Shapovalov in Thrilling Dallas Tie-Break

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Ben Shelton advanced to the final of the Dallas Open after a hard-fought victory over Denis Shapovalov. The match was a tense affair, ultimately decided in a tie-break after a grueling contest that saw both players evenly matched in total points scored.

Why it matters

Shapovalov entered the match with significant momentum, boasting an eight-match winning streak in Dallas. Last year, he secured the title at the indoor event, defeating Top 10 players Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Casper Ruud along the way. Shelton's ability to withstand repeated pressure and capitalize in the tie-break demonstrates a significant mental fortitude and suggests a growing confidence and resilience under pressure.

The details

Despite Shapovalov's early advantage and continued pressure – including four break points in the second set and two more in the third – Shelton repeatedly fought back. He successfully defended against numerous break point chances, including a critical one at 5-all in the third set. The match ultimately hinged on the tie-break, where Shelton elevated his game. He secured triple match point by winning three consecutive points from a 3-all tie and closed out the match with a forehand winner.

• Shapovalov had an eight-match winning streak in Dallas prior to his match against Shelton.
• Shapovalov previously won the Dallas indoor event last year, defeating three Top 10 players – Fritz, Paul, and Ruud – en route to the title.

What’s next

Shelton will now face Taylor Fritz in the final. It is likely to be another challenging contest, given Fritz's prior success in the tournament and his defeat of Shapovalov in the past. Shelton may analyze his performance against Shapovalov to identify areas for improvement before his match against Fritz.