Dallas R2 previews and predictions: Tiafoe vs. Nishioka, Fritz vs. Shapovalov

Popular American Frances Tiafoe will take the court against Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka, while top American Taylor Fritz battles Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. Spots in the Dallas quarterfinals are on the line.

(5) Frances Tiafoe vs. Yoshihito Nishioka

Frances Tiafoe has mostly matched up well againt Yoshihito Nishioka. The two men have met four times already. Tiafoe won the first three, but Nishioka nipped the American in Atlanta en route to his only title last season. Nishioka posted a solid win over American Brandon Nakashima in the Dallas Open first round, but–as the world No. 67–he is by no means favored to win against Tiafoe.

Tiafoe was a little patchy in his opening-round match this week, dropping a set to Taro Daniel before he righted the ship. The world No. 18 generally has had an unimpressive start to the season. He won a single match each in Brisbane and at the Australian Open, but he should be better positioned in Dallas. He will be playing in front of an appreciative home crowd and on a court that complements his game.

Nishioka is playing well and will have his chances at another upset, but look for Tiafoe to snag the win.

Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 3

Ricky pick: Nishioka in 3

(1) Taylor Fritz vs. Denis Shapovalov

Taylor Fritz vs. Denis Shapovalov is a long-term rivalry that was dominated by Shapovalov in their early meetings and by Fritz more recently. Shapovalov holds a scant 5-4 edge over Fritz, but the Canadian has not gotten a win since 2022. The good news for Shapovalov is that he is slowly regaining the form that once saw him to No. 10 in the rankings. The bad news is that the left-hander is currently ranked 54th in the world–and he is playing like he is ranked 54th in the world.

Conversely, Fritz is playing some of the best tennis of his career since his run to the final at the U.S. Open. He is ranked fourth in the world, and though he crashed out in the third round at the Australian Open to Gael Monfils, he has otherwise been tidy and efficient so far this season. He defeated Arthur Rinderknech easily in the first round.

Shapovalov has the kind of game that can can create surprises. He is a big hitter and not afraid to go for the flashy shot. When he hits them, he is dangerous. But against an opponent like Fritz, that is likely to result in the Canadian snagging a set rather than the entire match.

Cheryl pick: Fritz in 3

Ricky pick: Fritz in 2