Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton set for Dallas Open final between the world's highest-ranked Americans

FRISCO, Texas — A blockbuster all-American championship match will decide the 2026 Dallas Open, as top-seeded Taylor Fritz and second-seeded Ben Shelton advanced in contrasting fashion Saturday night to set up a showdown between the two highest-ranked players from the United States.

Fritz, 28 and currently No. 7 in the world, never faced a break point while firing 22 aces to subdue former U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(5), 7-6(3) in a 38-ace serving exhibition. The 10-time ATP titlist converted his first match point when Cilic’s return sailed long, capping a clean performance that featured zero double faults from the Californian.

Shelton, 23 and ranked No. 9, continued his flair for the dramatic, coming from a set down for the second straight match to edge defending Dallas champion Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4). Trailing 1-1 and facing three break points in the second set, the left-handed Floridian uncorked a searing cross-court forehand winner to turn the tide, eventually leveling the match with a late break. In the deciding tiebreaker Shelton won three of the last four points, sealing victory with another forehand missile that sent the Ford Center crowd into a frenzy.

“I’m super-excited for that matchup,” Shelton told fans inside the indoor stadium that doubles as a Dallas Cowboys practice facility. Sunday’s final will be just the third tour-level meeting between the Americans; they split their first two encounters.

Fritz is pursuing his first title since last summer, while Shelton—fresh off an Australian Open quarterfinal run ended by Jannik Sinner—seeks his fourth ATP trophy. With both players in form and a raucous Texas crowd expected, the stage is set for a high-octic conclusion to the third edition of the Dallas Open.

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