Shelton saves three match points on way to beating Fritz to claim Dallas Open title

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/shelton-ben/QNuG0Gzb/"]Shelton[/a] looked to be on the brink of defeat after trailing 15-40 at 4-5 down to the big-serving [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/fritz-taylor/UH09iaZ6/"]Fritz[/a] in the decisive final set.[/p][p]But the 23-year-old from Florida showed superb composure to dig his way out of trouble with a ruthless smash to save the first match point before lasering a forehand into the corner to go to deuce.[/p][p]Fritz earned a third match point when Shelton sent a forehand into the net, but once again, he was unable to convert as his opponent saved again before going on to hold at 5-5.[/p][p]Fritz's composure on serve then deserted him in the next game, when his first double fault of the match presented Shelton with three break points at 0-40.[/p][p]Shelton took advantage to secure the break for a 6-5 lead before holding to complete victory and clinch the fourth ATP title of his career [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/tennis/fritz-t-UH09iaZ6/shelton-b-QNuG0Gzb/?mid=WhuGuJA7"]in one hour and 52 minutes.[/a][/p][image alt="Key match stats" id="912e6d85-e91d-4742-bd22-5312d16b78cd" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="9cf4228d-7d8d-4d86-9998-125f19362169" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p]Shelton greeted victory by praising Fritz, who has struggled with knee and oblique injuries this season.[/p][p][b]"This was a crazy match to be part of,"[/b] Shelton said, before addressing Fritz.[/p][p][b]"I thought your level was amazing. What you've done this year, dealing with adversity, fighting through injuries, the competitor you are - you're an inspiration to all.[/b][/p][p][b]"Every kid at home should watch how hard you compete, day in and day out, when you're not feeling 100 per cent."[/b][/p][p]Fritz, meanwhile, rued his inability to build on an impressive opening set when he looked in complete control.[/p][p][b]"It was a fun match to be a part of up until the end,"[/b] Fritz said.[/p][p][b]"But congrats to Ben - he played the big points and important moments really good."[/b][/p][embed guid="70db70ca-405e-474c-b344-a5a846459a44" url="https://x.com/atptour/status/2023147186121244875" social-type="twitter" /][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/tennis/atp-singles/dallas/"]Catch up on the Dallas Open results here.[/a][/b][/p]