DALLAS, TX – – Top seed Taylor Fritz advanced to the final of the Nexo Dallas Open with a hard-fought victory over veteran Marin Cilic, prevailing 7-6(5), 7-6(3). The American relied heavily on his serve, hammering down 22 aces in a match characterized by fine margins and powerful deliveries.
The win propels Fritz into his first final on home soil since reaching the US Open final in 2024. He will face either countryman Ben Shelton or defending champion Denis Shapovalov in Sunday’s title match. For Cilic, the run to the semi-finals represented a resurgence, but ultimately fell short of reaching his first final above the ATP 250 level since winning Queen’s Club in 2018.
Both sets unfolded as tense, closely contested affairs, ultimately decided by tie-breaks. Fritz demonstrated composure under pressure, particularly on his serve. “Just really calm serving. I think that’s the biggest thing when I feel calm and relaxed, I serve well,” Fritz said after the match. This ability to maintain his serving rhythm proved crucial in overcoming the experienced Cilic.
The match wasn’t without its challenges for the American. Earlier in the tournament, during his quarterfinal match against Sebastian Korda, Fritz experienced a sharp pain in his right elbow. He managed to fight through the discomfort, ultimately defeating Korda in three sets – 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-6(5) – to reach the semi-final. Fritz received medical attention during that match, acknowledging the severity of the pain immediately after it occurred. “I instantly got this really sharp pain in my elbow,” he said. Despite the lingering concern, he was able to compete effectively against Cilic.
Fritz’s victory over Cilic marks the fourth win in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, extending his lead to 3-1. Cilic, currently ranked No. 43 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings following his semi-final run, will likely see a further boost in the rankings as a result of his performance in Dallas. This represents a significant climb for the 37-year-old, who has been working his way back into form.
The American’s performance against Korda showcased his resilience and ability to handle pressure. He captured the last five points in the deciding tie-breaker, a testament to his mental fortitude. Firing 22 aces and winning all four break points he faced, Fritz demonstrated a comprehensive game that proved too much for his compatriot. The match lasted two hours and 30 minutes, highlighting the physical demands of the tournament.
Cilic’s journey in Dallas was notable for his return to form. The 2014 US Open champion had been seeking a return to the higher levels of the game, and his semi-final appearance signaled a positive step in that direction. While he ultimately couldn’t overcome Fritz’s powerful serve, his performance provided encouragement for the remainder of the season.
Fritz’s path to the final has been marked by both dominant serving and the ability to overcome adversity. The elbow injury sustained against Korda raised concerns, but he demonstrated the ability to manage the pain and continue competing at a high level. His calm demeanor on the court, particularly during crucial moments, has been a key factor in his success.
Looking ahead to the final, Fritz will face a challenging opponent in either Shelton or Shapovalov. Shelton, known for his own powerful serve, presents a stylistic matchup that could lead to another serve-dominated contest. Shapovalov, the defending champion, brings experience and a proven track record in Dallas. Regardless of the opponent, Fritz will need to maintain his composure and continue to rely on his strong serve to secure the title.
The Nexo Dallas Open has provided a compelling showcase of talent, with Fritz emerging as the clear frontrunner. His victory over Cilic underscores his potential to contend for major titles in the coming years. The final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with Fritz aiming to capture his first title on home soil.
