Sunday Showdowns: Top Seeds Clash in Dallas and Buenos Aires Finals
It’s No. 1 vs. No. 2 across the board this Sunday as three ATP tournaments wrap up with marquee matchups - and two of the most intriguing finals are set in Dallas and Buenos Aires.
Both feature familiar foes, rising stars, and a whole lot of grit. Let’s break down what to expect.
Dallas Open Final: (1) Taylor Fritz vs. (2) Ben Shelton
We’ve got an all-American final in Texas, and it’s shaping up to be a battle of resilience as much as talent. Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have taken different paths to get here, but both arrive carrying more than just their racquets - they’re shouldering physical wear and tear that could become the X-factor in this clash.
Fritz, the top seed, has been grinding through a string of injuries. Knee tendinitis, an oblique issue from Australia, and now an elbow problem have made this a physically taxing stretch.
And that’s before you factor in the mileage he’s logged this week. His semifinal against Marin Cilic was a war of tiebreaks, and he’s already played back-to-back three-setters earlier in the tournament.
Fritz is tough, no doubt - but there’s only so much a body can take.
On the other side of the net, Shelton isn’t exactly fresh either. He’s had his right thigh taped up and has battled through three consecutive three-set matches himself, including a gritty semifinal win over Denis Shapovalov. But the 21-year-old lefty has shown serious staying power this week, and his explosive game has looked sharp despite the workload.
This will be the third meeting between the two, and they’re dead even at 1-1. Fritz won their first clash in a tight three-setter at Indian Wells last year, while Shelton answered back with a convincing straight-sets win in Toronto. Both matches showcased the contrast in their styles: Fritz’s baseline consistency and court craft against Shelton’s raw power and aggressive shot-making.
Given the current state of their bodies, this one could come down to who holds up better - not just mentally, but physically. Shelton’s youth and recent form might give him the edge, especially if he can keep the points short and apply pressure early.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Expect fireworks, but also some fatigue. If Shelton can manage his movement and keep Fritz on the run, he’s got the tools to take the title.
Argentina Open Final: (1) Francisco Cerundolo vs. (2) Luciano Darderi
Buenos Aires has seen this story before - Francisco Cerundolo playing for the title in front of a home crowd. The Argentine is back in the final for the third time, and he’s hoping the third time really is the charm.
Cerundolo has looked locked in all week, dispatching Hugo Dellien, Vit Kopriva, and Tomas Martin Etcheverry without dropping a set. He’s playing with the kind of poise and purpose you’d expect from a top seed who knows this tournament like the back of his hand. But standing in his way is a red-hot Luciano Darderi, and this version of the Italian is nothing like the one Cerundolo beat in straight sets a year ago.
Darderi is riding a 17-match win streak on clay - a run that includes two ATP titles and a Challenger trophy. He’s been dominant this week, taking out Tomas Barrios Vera, Pedro Martinez, and Sebastian Baez all in straight sets. His game is clicking, and he’s clearly comfortable on the surface.
The head-to-head between these two is knotted at 2-2, but momentum is clearly on Darderi’s side. He’s not just winning - he’s controlling matches from the baseline, dictating pace, and playing with the confidence of someone who believes he belongs in these moments.
Cerundolo, though, has the crowd, the experience, and the motivation. He’s been close before, and he knows what it takes to win in Argentina. If he can use his forehand to open up the court and keep Darderi from finding rhythm, this could finally be his year.
Prediction: Too close to call
This one’s a coin flip.
Cerundolo has the home-court edge, but Darderi’s current form is undeniable. Either way, expect a high-quality clay-court battle with long rallies, emotional swings, and a trophy that will mean a lot to whoever lifts it.
Sunday’s Takeaway
When the top two seeds meet in a final, you know you’re in for something special. Whether it’s the all-American showdown in Dallas or the clay-court chess match in Buenos Aires, Sunday’s ATP action is a celebration of what makes tennis so compelling - talent, toughness, and the will to win when everything’s on the line.