Ben Shelton showcased sealed a thrilling win over fellow American Taylor Fritz to lift the Nexo Dallas Open title on Sunday. After losing the first set, Shelton bounced back in the second but then again faced the exit gates in the decider, facing three championship points on his serve.
The 23-year-old pulled a rabbit out of the hat, overturning the game from that point to seal a memorable title win on home soil. Shelton’s girlfriend, Trinity Rodman, was in attendance alongside his family, who celebrated his victory.
The American’s sister, Emma Shelton, was quick to share some endearing snaps from the trophy ceremony on her Instagram story. “Champ!!🏆” Emma wrote in her story.
With the ATP 500 title win in Dallas, Shelton earned $529,945 out of the tournament’s prize pool of $2.8 million. After a loss-stricken run in the Australian swing, the 23-year-old American would be boosted by this title win as he will now aim to repeat the feat in the next ATP 500 event in Acapulco, starting February 23.
Ben Shelton Exclaims ‘It’s a Steady Work in Progress’ Post Dallas Open Title
In the post-game interview, Shelton reflected on the Dallas Open Final win. Also, he exclaimed that he was still a work in progress after a journalist pointed out that he was the first American tennis player after Andy Roddick to win more than two titles above the ATP 250 level.
“For me, it’s a steady work in progress. I want to continue improving my game and become more well-rounded. There are areas of improvement even this week that I can point out: places where I got myself into a hole and can do a much better job, and certain shots that can become much better,” Shelton said.
“I can become a more complete player, and that’s kind of the focus that I have, I have had, and that I need to continue to have to get to the top of the game,” he added. The World No. 9 will skip the Qatar Open to focus all his energy on the Mexican Open in Acapulco, which starts on February 23.
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