“I know I’m close. I know my level’s close. I know I have a lot of the stuff that I need,” Ben Shelton claimed, deriving a positive outcome from his Australian Open semi-final defeat against Jannik Sinner. The young American carried no regrets for his loss and is now preparing for the upcoming campaign in Dallas. He is scheduled to begin the quest for the title with a showdown against Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic. Here’s what the odds suggest, and a prediction backed by numbers.

Ben Shelton vs Aleksandar Vukic: Preview

Ben Shelton won his first singles title on clay last year at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston. He also made it to the final of the Swiss Indoors in Basel, but lost in straight sets to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Now, the American is heading into the Dallas Open after a great run at the Australian Open, where he reached the semifinals. Along the way, he defeated players like Lorenzo Musetti, Gael Monfils, and Lorenzo Sonego. However, in the semifinals, he lost to Jannik Sinner, the top seed, with a score of 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2.

On the other hand, Aleksandar Vukic had some of his best results last year by reaching the semifinals at the Eastbourne International and the Almaty Open. He also made it to the third round of the Shanghai Masters but lost in straight sets to Tomas Machac. The Australian comes into the Dallas Open after reaching the third round of the Australian Open. He won against Damir Džumhur and Sebastian Korda but lost in a tough five-set match against Jack Draper, who won 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(8).

Shelton vs Vukic: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head stats between the two players, the scores are leveled at 0-0 each. Thus, their encounter at the ATP Dallas will be the first time when the two stars collide. While the American is in strong form, it will be exciting to see if he will be able to catch up with his Aussie rival. But, coming into the match, who has the advantage?

Prediction: Ben Shelton to clinch the win in straight sets

Ben Shelton is one of the most exciting young talents on the ATP Tour. His powerful serve and incredible athleticism make him a tough opponent on hard courts. After reaching his first-ever Australian Open semifinal, he will be eager to carry that momentum into the Dallas Open and aim for an even deeper run.

On the other side of the court, Aleksandar Vukic has delivered some strong performances over the past year and a half. Although his close five-set loss in Melbourne was disappointing, he can take many positives from his campaign. The Australian has a well-rounded game and strong tactical awareness, making him a tricky opponent.

However, given Shelton’s recent form and his success on hard courts, he is expected to have the upper hand in this matchup. If he plays at his best, he should be able to defeat Vukic in straight sets.

Prediction: Shelton to win in straight sets.