Pressed to pick a winner for the Final just minutes before the racquet spin, I went with Fritz over Shelton. Too much groove, too much consistency in the rallies, and his serve is a Top 10er. His serve is why he's the highest ranked American player of the past two decades. His time is now, the slam dance, the keep the elbows in, the hip and pop, entering his prime. The Dallas Open dignitaries can just sit back and smile at the match-up, maybe it goes three.
As I write, Fritz is up a break in the first set. His reactions are minimal, but intense when shown. Exasperated on ground stroke misses from either side, fist pumping and glaring on winners and aces. He rarely double faults, way less than Shelton (1.8 double faults per match vs 3.0), he is mostly mellow. His work ethic is known and legendary among the other players, sources say.
The crowd seemed to gain its footing on the weekend, many more cries from the upper decks, many more yelps and things. They've both won the crowd, they've both won enough big points. A Dallas 500 would boost either, some seasoning, some bark, some bite for the upcoming summer slam season. As I write, Fritz is serving for the first set, let out, 2nd serve, 2-ball rally, Shelton blasts an easy forehand 3 feet past the baseline. Looks good on the TV, was fabulous in person, this tournament is for real, as I write.
