Ben Shelton is looking for a spot in the quarterfinals of the Dallas ATP 500 against Adrian Mannarino on Thursday. Fellow American Tommy Paul continues his bid for a second Dallas title against Miomir Kecmanovic.
(2) Ben Shelton vs. Adrian Mannarino
This has been a tough matchup for Ben Shelton. Adrian Mannarino owns a 3-1 record in the head-to-head series. Mannarino comes into Dallas off a run to the final in Montpellier. He is as close to an indoor specialist as tennis has, so while Shelton is ranked ninth to Mannarino’s 52nd, the American isn’t necessarily the prohibitive favorite in this one.
The Frenchman defeated Shelton at the U.S. Open last summer, but Shelton sustained an injury in the fourth set and was forced to retire. There is going to be a lot of big hitting — on Shelton’s side — in this one, but Mannarino is more consistent. Don’t be surprised if this is an upset.
Cheryl pick: Mannarino in 3
Ricky pick: Shelton in 2
(5) Tommy Paul vs. Miromir Kecmanovic
Tommy Paul and Miromir Kecmanovic are no strangers to each other. They have met five other times, although their most recent encounter came back in 2024. Kecmanovic has the slight edge in the head-to-head at 3-2. Paul has had a good start to the season, making the semis in Adelaide and the round of 16 at the Australian Open — where he went out to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Photo credit – Dallas Open
With Paul playing in front of the home crowd and the Serb a dreadful 1-4 on the season (including his first-round win this week over qualifier Sho Shimabukuro), this should be an easy entrance into the quarterfinals for Paul.
Cheryl pick: Paul in 2
Ricky pick: Paul in 2