Ben Shelton booked his place in his first final of 2026 at the Dallas Open after coming through a difficult test against Denis Shapovalov.
Shelton came back from a set down against Shapovalov to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 and set up a final clash with compatriot Taylor Fritz.
The American, seeded second at the Dallas Open, is seeking the fourth title of his career in Texas, and the second ATP 500 crown.
Shelton kicked off his 2026 season with two quarterfinal finishes at the ASB Classic and the Australian Open.
Ahead of the final in Dallas, the 23-year-old revealed he has adopted a new mindset heading into each tournament.
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Ben Shelton previews the Dallas Open final against Taylor Fritz
When asked in his on-court interview after beating Shapovalov how he is feeling about an all-American final ahead of the clash with Fritz, Shelton responded: “It’s great.
“You know, I’ve really made a concerted effort to show up to each tournament this year with the mindset that I want to win it.
“That I’m there each and every match putting myself in the position that I need to compete at the highest level.
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“And so being in the finals, playing, you know, against a top 10 guy who’s very informed, big serve. Good on this court is a great test, a massive test and exactly where I want to be.”
Ben Shelton’s head-to-head record against Taylor Fritz
Shelton and Fritz have only faced each other twice before on the ATP Tour, with the head-to-head currently tied one apiece.
Their first bout came at the 2023 Indian Wells Open, where Fritz emerged victorious in the round of 64.
Two years later, they met again in the semifinals of the 2025 Canadian Open, with Shelton earning revenge before going on to win the tournament.
They will now do battle for the third time in their careers, with an ATP 500 title up for grabs.
Fritz is seeded first at the Dallas Open and has dropped just two sets in his campaign despite his recent injury struggles.
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