Top seed Taylor Fritz will face fellow American Sebastian Korda in the Dallas quarterfinals on Friday. An in-form Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina will also be in action against defending champion Denis Shapovalov.
(1) Taylor Fritz vs. Sebastian Korda
Taylor Fritz is battling his body as much as he is his opponents. The seventh-ranked American has been plagued with knee tendinitis since the start of the season. He bowed out of the Australian Open in the round of 16 to Lorenzo Musetti, although he admits he nearly withdrew altogether to allow his body to recover fully. Fritz reports that the tendinitis is much improved in Dallas — so unless he aggravates it further, he should be close to full fitness against Sebastian Korda on Friday.
This has been a good tournament for Korda so far. The world No. 53 has been struggling to find his form, but he posted a strong win over Frances Tiafoe in the second round. He is still susceptible to Fritz’s heavy ground game, but the underdog should make it entertaining.
Cheryl pick: Fritz in 3
Ricky pick: Fritz in 2
(3) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs. (7) Denis Shapovalov
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has been one of the more in-form players of the year. He retired in the third round of the Australian Open against Tommy Paul with a thigh injury, but he seems fully recovered this week.
The Spaniard will take on 2025 champion Denis Shapovalov on Friday. The two men have split wins at 1-1 — both close matches. Look for this one to go the distance. The speedy surface suits Shapovalov’s game, but Davidovich Fokina is more consistent and is in better form.
Cheryl pick: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Ricky pick: Davidovich Fokina in 3