Denis Shapovalov upsets top seed Taylor Fritz in Dallas thriller
Denis Shapovalov overcomes Taylor Fritz in a three-set battle to reach the Dallas Open quarterfinals.
Denis Shapovalov secured a significant victory at the Dallas Open, defeating top-seeded Taylor Fritz 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(2) to advance to the quarterfinals. This win marks Shapovalov’s first over a top-five opponent since 2022. The Canadian displayed resilience after dropping the first set, breaking Fritz early in the second and maintaining his lead to level the match. In the decisive tiebreak, Shapovalov capitalized on an early mini-break and maintained his momentum to seal the match. He will next face Czech qualifier Tomáš Macháč for a spot in the semifinals.
This victory is particularly noteworthy given Shapovalov’s recent challenges on the tour. After a knee injury in mid-2023 sidelined him for several months, he struggled to regain form upon his return. However, he ended a five-year title drought by clinching his second ATP Tour title at the Belgrade Open in November 2024, defeating Hamad Medjedovic in straight sets.
Taylor Fritz, currently ranked No. 4 in the world, was the favorite to win the Dallas Open. Despite a strong start against Shapovalov, he was unable to maintain his momentum, ultimately falling in the third-set tiebreak. Fritz’s early exit marks a significant upset in the tournament.
Shapovalov’s performance in Dallas indicates a potential resurgence as he aims to climb back up the ATP rankings. His upcoming match against Macháč will be a test of his consistency and resilience as he seeks to build on this momentum.
Inside the Baseline…
Shapovalov’s win over Fritz is the kind of result that shifts momentum in a season. Confidence has always been the key to his game—when it’s flowing, the shot-making is effortless, the aggression pays off, and the talent that once made him a top-10 player resurfaces. After struggling with form and injuries, the breakthrough in Dallas feels like a statement, not just to the field but to himself. Beating a top player in a tight match is the fuel needed to reignite a career that, at its best, has always been electric.
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