In the all-American final between the top two seeds at the Nexo Dallas Open, Ben Shelton upset the world rankings in a thrilling title match against favorite Taylor Fritz, saving three match points before closing out the match 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.
I had to fight until the last minute. Fritz played very good tennis and I had a lot of trouble with what he threw at me. Ben Shelton
The 23-year-old, who had recovered from losing the first set, produced explosive tennis to recover and force a decider, where he doggedly saved three championship points in a nail-biting 10th game.
That hold for 5-all proved crucial as Shelton powered ahead and conceded just three more points to claim victory for his first title of the season and fourth of his career after one hour and 51 minutes.
“It feels great. I thank God because it took something supernatural for me to finally win this tournament with all the holes I was in,” said Shelton, who endured four decisive fights in Dallas. “I’m grateful to be here for five games with this crowd. The energy was great.”
“I had to fight until the last minute. Fritz played really good tennis and I had a lot of trouble with what he threw at me. I tried to be a competitor through and through, and in the end I came out on top. I think it’s a testament to the work that me and my team put in.”
It was a major disappointment for Fritz, who failed to make the most of his chances after recovering a break in the third, but Shelton showed more composure as he held his nerve to upset his higher-ranked compatriot, who he now leads 2-1 in all encounters.
“Once I get a set, I feel pretty confident,” Shelton explained. “Once I get my teeth into it and feel like I have some kind of rhythm, I’ll just start to loosen up and find my level. I think I’m in shape too – my fitness is good – and that probably plays a part.”
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Despite falling short in the final, Fritz can look back on another positive run to his twentieth tour-level final. The American No. 1 now heads to the ATP 250 event in Delray Beach, where he is once again the top seed.
“It was a crazy match, a fun match to be a part of – until the end,” Fritz said during the trophy presentation. “Congratulations to Ben and his team. He played great and in the end he played the big points and important moments very well.”
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