Image Source: ATP Tour
The Dallas Open 2026 has witnessed a nail-biting performance from Taylor Fritz as he achieved a remarkable victory against fellow American Sebastian Korda to secure his spot in the semi-finals. The match, which took place on February 13, 2026, at the Nexo Dallas Open, highlighted not only Fritz’s tenacity but also a concerning injury scare that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Fritz, the top seed of the tournament, faced a challenging contest against Korda, who once ranked as high as World No. 15. The first set was tightly contested, with Fritz ultimately losing the set in a tie-break, 6-7(2). However, the match quickly became more tumultuous when Fritz experienced a sharp pain in his elbow while attempting a backhand flick following a powerful return from Korda. This injury prompted immediate attention from the physio, raising alarm bells for the crowd and viewers alike.
Reflecting on the incident, Fritz explained, “That was a weird one. He hit a really hard return, and the way that I hit [the backhand], I just jammed my elbow. I instantly felt this really sharp pain.” Despite this setback, Fritz managed to fight through the discomfort, narrowly winning the second set 6-4. As painkillers kicked in, he regained trust in his serve and rallied to clinch the final set in another tight tie-break, 7-6(5).
In this electrifying match, Fritz unleashed a remarkable 22 aces while successfully saving all four break points he faced, showcasing his powerful service game. Korda served at 5-4 in the deciding tie-break, but two costly forehand errors allowed Fritz to seize the moment, displaying the grit and determination typical of championship athletes.
With this victory, Fritz advanced to face former World No. 3 Marin Cilic in the semi-finals. Cilic had a commanding performance in his quarter-final match, overpowering Briton Jack Pinnington Jones 6-1, 6-4 in just 78 minutes. This upcoming clash promises to be intriguing, as Fritz holds a slim lead of 2-1 in their previous encounters, but they have not faced each other since 2022.
In other quarter-final news from the Dallas Open, second seed Ben Shelton battled through a challenging match against Miomir Kecmanovic. Despite dropping the first set 5-7, Shelton rallied back to claim the next two sets 6-3, 6-4, thus marking his 13th tour-level semi-final and first since clinching the ATP Masters 1000 title in Toronto back in August. Shelton’s ability to adjust and improve his shot-making following a rocky start was evident, as he dictated the pace of the match in the later sets.
As the semi-finals of the Dallas Open loom on the horizon, tennis enthusiasts are eager to see how Fritz will perform against Cilic, especially after his injury scare. The excitement surrounding this year’s event reflects the growing significance of the tournament on the ATP Tour, showcasing emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike.
What’s Next at the Dallas Open?
As we move closer to the finals, fans should keep a close eye on the top contenders and their journeys through this thrilling tournament. The Dallas Open continues to offer unexpected twists and intense matches that can change the trajectory of a player’s season.
FAQ
Who will Taylor Fritz face in the semi-finals of the Dallas Open?
Taylor Fritz is set to face former World No. 3 Marin Cilic in the semi-finals after his thrilling victory over Sebastian Korda.
What injury did Taylor Fritz suffer during his match?
Fritz experienced sharp pain in his elbow while executing a backhand flick. Thankfully, he managed to play through the injury and secure the win.
How did Ben Shelton perform in the quarter-finals?
Ben Shelton came back from a set down to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic, advancing to his 13th tour-level semi-final.
What was the score of the match between Fritz and Korda?
The match ended with Fritz winning 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-6(5), marking a tense battle that showcased his determination and skill.
What is the significance of the Dallas Open on the ATP Tour?
The Dallas Open is an essential tournament that not only features rising stars but also seasoned players aiming to establish or reclaim their place in professional tennis.
