The semifinals at the ATP event in Dallas are, perhaps predictably, dominated by American players, with two of the most promising Americans in Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton facing each other for a spot in the final, while Marcos Giron takes on the seemingly ageless Adrian Mannarino. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both semifinals. But who do you think will advance to the final on Sunday?
ATP Dallas Semifinal Predictions
Marcos Giron vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: Mannarino 2-1 Giron
Mannarino had an absolutely outstanding 2023, with 43 wins (10 more than in any other season), three titles (had only won two previously), and a career-high ranking of No. 22. It looked as if his career had peaked there, but he started 2024 in the same vein, beating Stan Wawrinka and Ben Shelton en route to the fourth round at the Australian Open, reaching a new career high of No. 17, and now reaching the semifinals at ATP Dallas. Giron is playing well this week in Dallas and has a home advantage, but Mannarino is playing with the kind of confidence that should give him the edge here. It should certainly be a very close match, though, as Giron is also playing at a very good level, and the surface suits him.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Tommy Paul vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: Shelton 2-1 Paul
The two Americans had a nice rivalry in 2023, with Paul beating Shelton in four sets to reach his first-ever Slam semifinal at the Australian Open and Shelton getting him back at the US Open, beating Paul in four sets also on his way to a first-ever Slam semifinal. They faced again a month later in Tokyo and Shelton prevailed on the way to his first ever ATP title.
Both players had a career year in 2023, but Shelton seems to have more upside, and his serve, in particular, is a weapon to be reckoned with on a court like this. He should have the edge here, even if it will likely be a very tight match decided by a few critical points.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
