Wu Wows Fritz, Will Meet Isner For Dallas Title

Top seed Taylor Fritz suffered a shock defeat in the Dallas semifinals to Yibing Wu 6-7(3-7), 7-5, 6-4.

The 23-year-old advances to his first career ATP final. Wu, ranked 97th, finished with six aces, saved all 9 break points he faced never losing serve to the American No. 1.

Wu managed to break for 3-2 in the third then held on for the biggest win of his young career, and his first Top 10 win. He becomes the first Chinese man to make an ATP final.

“When I’m playing tonight, I wasn’t thinking about the score or winning or losing. I’m just trying to perform my best,” Wu said. “You guys are amazing, cheering for us every point. Thanks, guys!”

Fritz, who was seeking a 10th career final, cracked 20 aces but it wasn’t enough in the loss.

The 5th-seeded Isner won a tight one over No. 6 J.J. Wolf in three sets 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(7-4) coming from a set down. In the match, Isner fired 31 aces and didn’t drop serve after the first set.

Wolf, 24, hit 14 aces but was just 1 of 8 on break chances in his first meeting with the 37-year-old Isner.

“I saved a lot of break points with unreturnable serves. Without that I would have been dusted off the court 6-3, 6-4,” Isner told the crowd. “So I’m of course very fortunate to have that weapon in my pocket, and I needed every bit of it today.

“It was an absolute battle, so I’m pretty tired. But I’m absolutely ecstatic to be in the final tomorrow here in Dallas.”

Isner, who now resides in Dallas, reaches his 31st career final. He is looking for his 17th career title tomorrow against Wu.

Isner hopes to be ready tomorrow after a busy week.

“Truthfully, it feels terrible right now,” Isner said of his body. “I’m 38 in April. It’s not getting any easier. I started off a little slow, a little sluggish, but in the third set I actually felt the best I felt the whole match. I had a lot of adrenaline there at the end and I was able to hold my nerve and win.

“Right now the name of the game is recovery. I’ll get back in the training room and try to get this big body ready for tomorrow.”

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