Dallas tournament draw released: Many local talents attending, Shapovalov aims to emulate Medvedev's title defense!

A fresh new week! Alongside the ATP season’s first 500 event in Rotterdam, another 500 tournament is starting simultaneously across the globe — the Dallas event, which was upgraded to 500 status last year. So, how does the tournament field shape up?

Shelton, who failed to repeat his semifinal performance at the Australian Open, has been overtaken in ranking by Fritz, who has regained the position of America’s number one. They will each lead the top and bottom halves of the draw. Fritz’s quarter also includes the eighth seed Tiafoe, who will face Giron in the opening round.

Two other familiar players, Brandon Nakashima and Korda, are also placed in this section, and both are expected to advance comfortably to the next round.

The second quarter is headed by Kobori, who was eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open and was the earliest seeded player to exit there. Despite last week’s tour play, his form remains unsteady. He is likely to battle for a semifinal spot against the ninth seed Linner and former US Open champion Cilic. The first-round clash between the rising Linner and the still solid Cilic is one of the key matches to watch.

The third quarter is led by third seed Fucsovics, with defending champion Shapovalov also drawn in this section. Over the past two years, the Canadian duo has made significant progress in accumulating titles. Last week, Auger-Aliassime successfully defended his title in Montpellier; will it be Shapovalov’s turn this week? The challenge is tough!

This section also features the giant-serving Opelka, Bulgarian star Dimitrov, and young American Mickelson. The latter two will compete for a spot in the second round.

The final quarter is headed by Shelton and Paul, with fifth seed Paul set to face compatriot Brooksby. Also lurking in this section are veterans Kecmanovic and Mannarino. Especially Mannarino, who just finished runner-up in Montpellier last week; despite his age, he’s maintaining good form.

Since its upgrade last year, the Dallas event, one of three former 250 tournaments elevated, is familiar territory for Chinese tennis fans. After all, the first men’s singles champion from mainland China emerged here. In 2022, Wu Yibing defeated several top American players including Isner and Fritz, making a stunning breakthrough by capturing his first tour-level title at this event.

How precious is this title? Since then, only Shang Juncheng has followed in his footsteps by winning a title in Chengdu, becoming the second male player from the mainland to achieve this milestone.

Last year, to further boost the influence of 500 events, the ATP upgraded the tournaments in Doha, Munich, and Dallas, covering Asia, Europe, and the Americas respectively. Who will claim the championship this year? Feel free to share your predictions!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)