American tennis fans are in for an absolute treat in the final of the ATP 500 in Dallas, as the top two American men will battle it out for the title. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on the match. Who do you think will take home the winner’s trophy?
ATP Dallas Final Prediction
Ben Shelton vs Taylor Fritz
This is such a tough match to call. Both men have played very well this week, though neither has been perfect. Fritz looked a little iffy early on, but he has really played his way into this event. His serve and attacking game have been spot on recently. And while he hasn’t broken serve much, he has done a great job of creating pressure in service games. Winning both tiebreaks against Marin Cilic in the semifinal was no fluke.
Shelton, meanwhile, has dropped several service games he had no business losing this week. But when crunch time in matches came, he found his way through. It’s been really impressive, but he has shown a few more vulnerabilities than Fritz.
Ultimately, Fritz’s game is more polished and more consistent. That is true both on Tour generally, and it has remained true this week. Fritz should back up his spot as the top-ranked American with a win here–but he won’t keep that spot for too long. Shelton is coming, and rapidly. He won’t be overtaking his older countryman this week, but it will happen soon (at some point this year, if I had to guess).
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images