ATP Dallas: Fritz Overcomes Injury to Reach Semifinals, Set to Face Former US Open Champion Cilic

On February 13 local time, the quarterfinal lineups for three ATP tournaments this week were finalized. At the ATP 500 Dallas event, top seed Fritz battled through three sets to narrowly defeat Korda and advance to the semifinals. Despite requesting a medical timeout due to injury during the match, he ultimately secured a thrilling 6-7(2)/6-4/7-6(5) victory.

Photo of Fritz

In the first set, at 4-5 and 30/15, Fritz suddenly felt pain after a backhand slice and immediately called for the physiotherapist. After treatment, the pain eased somewhat but did not fully disappear. He received multiple treatments during the match and later said it helped his recovery.

Fritz will face former US Open champion Cilic in the semifinals, who swept British rookie Jack Pinnington Jones 6-1/6-4 in just 78 minutes. The Croatian star is pursuing his first tour title since winning the ATP 250 Hangzhou event in 2024. In their head-to-head record, Fritz leads 2-1, although they have not met since 2022.

In the other two quarterfinals, second seed Shelton came from behind to defeat Katzmanovic 5-7/6-3/6-4, reaching the tour semifinals for the 13th time in his career. This marks his first semifinal appearance since winning his biggest career title at the Toronto Masters last August. Shelton will compete against seventh seed Shapovalov for a spot in the final, with Shapovalov having overturned third seed Davidovich Fokina 5-7/6-4/6-3.

ATP Dallas Semifinal Matchups

Fritz vs. Cilic

Shelton vs. Shapovalov

At the ATP 500 Rotterdam indoor hard court event, Australian star De Minaur continued his strong form, with the top seed edging local favorite Van de Zandschulp 3-6/7-6(4)/7-5 after a tough battle to reach the semifinals for the third consecutive year. Despite squandering a 2-0 lead in the final set, De Minaur held his nerve to eliminate his opponent.

Photo of De Minaur

De Minaur maintains a perfect 4-0 record against Van de Zandschulp and became the second player in the tournament’s history, after Tom Okker (1974-76), to reach the semifinals three years running. His semifinal opponent will be Frenchman Humbert, who cruised past O’Connell 6-4/6-1.

In the other quarterfinals, Bublik achieved a milestone victory. The 28-year-old Kazakh player defeated Munar 6-4/6-7(4)/7-6(3) in a tight match, earning his 200th career tour-level win and becoming the first Kazakh male player to reach this milestone. He will face second seed Aliassime in the semifinals, who extended his winning streak to seven matches by beating local player Griekspoor 7-6(2)/6-2.

ATP Rotterdam Semifinal Matchups

De Minaur vs. Humbert

Bublik vs. Aliassime

At the ATP 250 Buenos Aires event, local seventh seed Etcheverry came from behind to defeat Tabillo 1-6/6-3/6-3, reaching the ATP tour semifinals for the first time since May last year. He will face compatriot and top seed Cerundolo, who advanced to the semifinals for the 17th time by defeating Kopriva 6-4/6-3. Since 2024, Cerundolo leads the clay court tour wins with 43 victories, including the 2024 Umag title and a finals appearance at Buenos Aires in 2025.

In the other quarterfinals, fourth seed Baez defeated Carabelli 7-6(5)/6-2 in an all-Argentine clash, improving their head-to-head to 4-1. Baez will face second seed Darderi in the semifinals.

ATP Buenos Aires Semifinal Matchups

Etcheverry vs. Cerundolo

Baez vs. Darderi

(Written and edited by Wang Fei; photos courtesy of Visual China)