Ben SHELTON survives against Jordan THOMPSON, setting up clash with Tommy PAUL, who battles past KOEPFER at Dallas Open

Hard-fought victory for Ben Shelton (No. 16) against a resilient Jordan Thompson (No. 44) by 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4, securing a spot in the semifinals of the Dallas Open. The Australian displayed efficiency with his service and capitalized on crucial moments to take the lead, but the American young star remained calm and came back from a set down.

In the first set, both players showcased strong serves and faced few challenges in maintaining parity. Shelton achieved a 70% first serve percentage, winning 83% of them, while Thompson had a 60% first serve, winning 90% of those points.

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The difference emerged in the second serve, with Thompson being relentless at 90% points won on his second serve, compared to Shelton's 57%. Despite no break points until the tie-break, Thompson capitalized on Shelton's first serve errors, securing three mini-breaks and taking the first set 7-6(2).

The second set saw minimal differences in service performance early on. However, Thompson faltered in the seventh game, conceding the first break points of the match. Shelton converted on his third opportunity, closing a tight set at 6-4 with an aggressive game featuring 11 winners and only three unforced errors, compared to Thompson's 6 winners and 5 unforced errors.

The decisive set followed the match's pattern, with both players maintaining an impeccable level of serving. Similar to the second set, Thompson struggled in the seventh game, offering three more break opportunities to Shelton. The Australian seized his first chance to establish a definitive lead. In the end, Thompson couldn't make a comeback on the return, and Shelton secured the victory with a 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4 scoreline.

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Tommy Paul battle past against Dominic Koepfer

World No. 15 Tommy Paul faced challenges in his match against Dominic Koepfer (No. 60) but secured a crucial victory with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3. In the first set, both players experienced inconsistencies in their serves, resulting in several breaks on both sides. The American held a 5-3 lead with a chance to close out the set on his serve, but Koepfer quickly secured a break, extending the set to 5-5. Paul managed to break again and, this time, held his serve to take a 7-5 lead.

The former Australian Open semifinalist looked more solid in the second set, facing no difficulties with his serve. Paul secured a crucial break in the fourth game, providing him with the decisive advantage. Koepfer resisted in the final game, saving four match points, but Paul eventually closed out the set on his fifth opportunity, securing his spot in the semifinals with a 7-5, 6-3 victory.

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Flying into the semis! 🚀 Ben Shelton beats Jordan Thompson in a 3 set thriller 6(2)-7, 6-4, 6-4! #DALOpen

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