After having a dream run at the 2025 AO, Ben Shelton will be looking forward to repeating a similar performance in Dallas. He will be facing Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in the R32 of the Dallas Open. Both these tennis stars made quite a few longer runs in their tournaments last season, so it’ll be interesting to see who eliminates whom in this epic battle.

Can the support of the home crowd help the American make a winning start in Dallas?

Ben Shelton vs. Aleksandar Vukic: Preview

Ben Shelton started the 2024 season with two SF runs at the ASB Classic and the Dallas Open. However, after that, came the big one! He defeated his compatriot, Frances Tiafoe in the final of the ATP Houston. Ben Shelton even reached the SF of the Citi Open and the final of the Swiss Indoors. At the Swiss Indoors, he was defeated by France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard by 4-6,6(4)-7. Shelton will be entering this contest following his defeat to the eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the SF of the 2025 AO.

While Aleksandar Vukic will enter this contest following his defeat to Jack Draper (GBR) in the third round of the 2025 AO. Draper defeated Vukic by a five-set thriller in that epic R3 clash! If we take a look at some of Vukic’s best performances on the Tour last season, then apart from some of his QF runs, his incredible performances at the Eastbourne International and the Almaty Open will definitely get a special mention. He reached the SF at both of these tournaments. Vukic was in fact defeated by another American, Taylor Fritz in the SF of the Eastbourne International by 6(5)-7,6(4)-7. What will be the scoreline against the 22-year-old American?

Shelton vs. Vukic: Head-to-Head

Ben Shelton has faced Aleksandar Vukic only once in his career so far. Currently, the left-handed American tennis star leads the H2H scoreline against the Aussie by a pretty fine margin (1-0). It’ll be interesting to see if Vukic can put things on level terms with a win in this epic contest.

• 2022 Champaign Final: Shelton 0-6,6-3,6-2.

Prediction: Shelton will yet again win in three sets

Ben Shelton reached the SF of this tournament last year, while Aleksandar Vukic couldn’t play in this tournament last year. So, the Aussie will be desperate to make it count this time in Dallas. If we take a look at their records, Ben Shelton (13) had a win-loss record of 42-26 in the 2024 season, while his opponent, Aleksandar Vukic (66) had a win-loss record of 23-26.

Talking about their playing styles, Aleksandar Vukic showcases remarkable skills and determination on the court and this is what makes his tennis so entertaining for the fans. His game is mainly built around powerful serve and an aggressive baseline play. Vukic is known for his lethal groundstrokes and never-give-up attitude. So, we can surely expect some fight from him in this match against the in-form Ben Shelton.

On the other hand, Ben Shelton has an aggressive style of play. Even he has big serves in his armory and guess what? Shelton hit a staggering 619 aces last season. He is also quite consistent and powerful on both the forehand and backhand sides. Ben Shelton loves coming up to the net after hitting his powerful groundstrokes to finish off the points. He’s very formidable on the fast surfaces, so we’re expecting him to seal the deal in this epic first-round (R32) match in Dallas!