Ben Shelton will look for a spot in the quarterfinals of the Dallas ATP 500 against Adrian Mannarino on Thursday. Fellow countryman Tommy Paul continues his bid for a second Dallas title against Miomir Kecmanovic.
(2) Ben Shelton vs. Adrian Mannarino
This was a tough match for Ben Shelton. Adrian Mannarino has a 3-1 record in the head-to-head series. Mannarino enters Dallas on the way to the finals in Montpellier. He’s as close to an indoor specialist as tennis is, so while Shelton ranks ninth to Mannarino’s 52nd, the American isn’t necessarily the prohibitive favorite in this one.
The Frenchman defeated Shelton at the US Open last summer, but Shelton suffered an injury in the fourth set and was forced to retire. There will be a lot of big shots – on Shelton’s part – in this one, but Mannarino is more consistent. Don’t be surprised if this is upsetting.
Cheryl’s choice: Mannarino in 3
Ricky pick: Shelton in 2
(5) Tommy Paul vs. Miromir Kecmanovic
Tommy Paul and Miromir Kecmanovic are no strangers to each other. They met five more times, although their most recent meeting took place in 2024. Kecmanovic has a slight lead in the head-to-head matchup at 3-2. Paul started the season well and reached the semi-finals in Adelaide and the eighth finals at the Australian Open, where he played against eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Photo credit – Dallas Open
With Paul playing in front of his home crowd and the Serbian posting a dreadful 1-4 on the season (including his first round win this week over qualifier Sho Shimabukuro), this should be an easy ticket for Paul into the quarter-finals.
Cheryl pick: Paul in 2
Ricky pick: Paul in 2
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