Dallas Open Gonzo 8: No Dinky 250

 

Weird not having Wu in the draw.  The defending champion of the Dallas Open was not defending his title and points.  Sources indicate any returning champ stays at John Isner's house, eats John Isner's food, and drives John Isner's Cybertruck.  It made no sense, there wasn't much Wu news in the news.  Hopefully, he's fully recovered from his on court collapse this past summer.

He'll be missed, Wu was spectacular last year.  Probably the best tennis ever played in the history of the Dallas Open.  Some would argue the Isner/Opelka match in '22, which featured the longest tiebreaker in ATP history, was compelling, but it was not.  Some would say Fritz, but he seemed to use Dallas as practice, he never even made the final here.  He's out this year, went Top 10 ranking, went big time, Fritz ain't playing in no dinky 250.

Frances Tiafoe (15), Tommy Paul (16), Ben Shelton (17), Adrian Mannarino (18) are the favorites.  Eubanks, Wolf, Giron, and a few others could break through.  Gonna enjoy the final year in Dallas, on scene, on the hill, throughout, and about.  We thank the neighbors in advance, our street parking is only for a few days, our presence is temporary, we'll be on our best behavior.  Next year, it's off north to Frisco to accommodate a 500 point tournament, maybe Fritz will play.