On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the 2026 Dallas Open concluded with a memorable final that underscored Texas’s growing prominence in the world of professional tennis. Held at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the tournament, an ATP Tour 500 event, has rapidly become a fixture on the international tennis calendar, attracting top players and spotlighting the Lone Star State as a hub for elite athletic competition.
A Showcase Event in the Heart of Texas
The Dallas Open, also known for sponsorship reasons as the Nexo Dallas Open, returned for its fifth edition in 2026. As part of the ATP Tour 500 series, it offered players valuable ranking points and significant prize money, drawing a competitive field that included some of the sport’s most compelling young talents.
Unlike lower‑tier ATP events, the Tour 500 level provides a platform for rising stars and established competitors alike to earn critical points that can influence entry and seeding at Grand Slam tournaments later in the season. The fact that the Dallas Open achieved this classification reflects both its organizational success and its strategic importance within the professional circuit.
Shelton vs. Fritz: A Competitive Final
In the singles final on February 15, Ben Shelton defeated Taylor Fritz in a hard‑fought match, prevailing 3–6, 6–3, 7–5. This victory was significant on several fronts: Shelton, one of the brightest young American players, earned a prestigious Tour 500 title on home soil, while also overcoming an opponent ranked among the world’s best.
Shelton’s performance illustrated his resilience and tactical growth. After dropping the first set to Fritz, himself a top‑ranked American and a fan favorite in Texas, Shelton recalibrated his strategy, using powerful serving and aggressive baseline play to seize control in the second and third sets. The final set’s tightly contested games drew enthusiastic responses from the Dallas Open crowd, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the Ford Center at The Star.
Taylor Fritz, who entered the tournament as the top seed, demonstrated the depth of American tennis talent, pushing Shelton to the limit in a match that kept spectators on edge until the last point. While the defeat was bittersweet for Fritz, his consistent performance throughout the week reinforced his status as a major force on the ATP Tour.
Doubles Action and Broader Event Highlights
The doubles final also saw high‑level competition, with Théo Arribagé and Albano Olivetti defeating the team of Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos 6–3, 7–6^(7–4). Their victory added an international dimension to a tournament dominated by American talent in the singles draw and showcased the doubles discipline’s exciting pace and teamwork.
Beyond the finals, the Dallas Open week included a series of engaging matches featuring a blend of veteran competitors and younger players making their way up the rankings. Fans attending the event in Frisco experienced a range of high‑quality tennis, from early‑round upsets to grueling three‑set thrillers.
Economic and Community Impact
Hosting an ATP 500 event like the Dallas Open brings meaningful economic activity to North Texas. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefit from the influx of athletes, coaches, media, and fans drawn to the tournament. The event also generates visibility for Frisco and the surrounding region, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a destination for major sporting events.
Moreover, tournaments of this caliber often include community programs such as youth clinics, fan engagement activities, and opportunities for local sponsors to connect with attendees. These elements strengthen the bond between professional sports and the communities that support them, encouraging broader participation in tennis and other athletic pursuits across Texas.
Significance for Texas and American Tennis
Shelton’s victory at the Dallas Open has broader implications for both Texas and U.S. tennis. The emergence of American players at ATP 500 events signals a resurgence of competitive depth that could translate into stronger showings at Grand Slams and Davis Cup ties later in the year. For Texas specifically, the success of local tournaments like the Dallas Open highlights the state’s capacity to host world‑class sports events, complementing other athletic traditions such as college football, motorsports, and rodeo.
Texas has seen a growing tennis culture in recent years, supported by academies, collegiate programs, and local clubs that nurture young talent. Shelton’s performance provides inspiration to aspiring players throughout the state, serving as proof that world‑class success is attainable for Texans who pursue the sport with dedication.
Looking Ahead
As the tennis season progresses, Shelton’s Dallas Open title will likely boost his confidence and ranking, setting the stage for deeper runs at upcoming ATP Masters 1000 events and, ultimately, the Grand Slams. For American fans, it provides an early highlight in what promises to be an exciting year in men’s professional tennis.
The success of the 2026 Dallas Open reinforces Texas’s standing as a key player in the national sports landscape, a state capable of hosting events that draw global attention, support economic growth, and inspire the next generation of athletes.
