Fritz leads big-name exits at Dallas Open

Fritz, the world number four who was the top seed in Texas, lost to Canada's Denis Shapovalov 2-6 6-3 7-6 (7-2).

It marked Shapovalov's first victory over an opponent ranked in the ATP's top 10 since he defeated Fritz to win the title in Vienna in 2022.

"It feels incredible. Taylor is a super tough opponent," said Shapovalov, via the ATP Tour's official website.

"He came out super solid and I came out a little sluggish.

"It was difficult. I'm definitely happy with my fight. I'm happy I was able to turn it around in the second set and I was able to keep that momentum going."

Late night victory in the Lone Star State @denis_shapo shines bright as he takes down Fritz 2-6 6-3 7-6(2).@DALOpenTennis | #DALOpen pic.twitter.com/U3UMnOZ2Ld

— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 7, 2025

While Fritz will lick his wounds following a disappointing showing on the back of a third-round exit to Gael Monfils at the Australian Open, next up for Shapovalov is Tomas Machac, who overcame Rinky Hijikata in straight sets.

Shelton, who reached the Australian Open semi-finals last month, was another big name to fall short on Thursday.

The 22-year-old went down 6-2 7-6 (7-3) to Jaume Munar, who will take on Matteo Arnaldi in the quarter-finals.

Another home hope, fifth seed Tiafoe, lost 6-3 4-6 6-3 to Yoshihito Nishioka, whose reward is a last-eight tie with world number five Casper Ruud.

Third seed Tommy Paul did progress, overcoming Ethan Quinn 6-4 5-7 6-4.

Paul squandered the chance to serve out the match in the second set, but wrestled back control of the tie in the decider.

"I've been in these situations a little bit more," Paul said. "I felt a little more comfortable. That's how you win the big matches, being better in the big moments."

Big-serving Reilly Opelka is Paul's quarter-final opponent.