“I was feeling invincible,” Ben Shelton said ahead of his Shanghai Masters opener. Indeed, the American star has had fond memories of the tournament last year, where he reached the quarterfinals before narrowly losing out to his compatriot, Sebastian Korda. However, the American sensation would be relishing the challenge this year, as he looks to lift the title in Shanghai. The path isn’t easy for him, especially with a resurgent Denis Shapovalov first up.

Once a top 10 player, Shapovalov has lost his way due to form and injuries. However, he has looked in good touch in Shanghai, entering the main draw as a qualifier. Thus, it promises to be an exciting clash between two young stars.

Ben Shelton vs Denis Shapovalov: Preview

Both Shelton and Shapovalov have had contrasting seasons so far. The American sensation has been much superior and even won the ATP Houston title. Additionally, he has consistently shown this season and reached at least the third round at each of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Further, Shelton enters the Shanghai Masters as the 16th seed and one of the dark horses to win the tournament. Thus, expect him to come out all guns blazing in this contest.

Meanwhile, Shapovalov is yet to win a title this year. He has fallen within the pecking order due to which he has also played on the Challenger Tour apart from the ATP circuit. Despite playing in the lower rung tournaments, the Canadian star’s best performance has only been a quarterfinal appearance at the Citi Open this year. Looking to improve his 2024 record, Shapovalov will look to upset Shelton, in a battle between two big-serving players.

Shelton vs Shapovalov: Head-to-head

Until Shapovalov lost his way, he, along with Shelton, was among the most promising stars for the future. However, injuries and poor form eventually took a toll, with Ben Shelton racing ahead on the back of consistent performances. Like their record this year, their head-to-head battle has also been one-sided, with Shelton winning both the matches played between them.

Interestingly, both their battles took place this year, one at the Wimbledon Championships and the other at the Citi Open. Although Shelton prevailed in both, the matches were keenly fought. With the odds and stats being stacked in Shelton’s favor, expect him to continue his winning run over Shapovalov.

Prediction: Shelton to assert his dominance over Shapovalov

While Ben Shelton is ranked 16th on the ATP Tour, Shapovalov lies outside the top 100 at the 102nd spot. Additionally, the American sensation has a superior win-loss record this year, winning more than 60% of his matches. On the contrary, Shapovalov has won 18 and lost 20 matches this season. With the stats clearly in favor of Shelton, there is another interesting fact that makes him dangerous.

Shelton has also been serving better than ever before. For example, in his quarterfinal loss against Arthur Fils in Tokyo, he smashed 14 aces. On the flip side, Shapovalov hasn’t been the best of returners and won just 36% of the return points against Lorenzo Sonego in the first round in Shanghai. As a result, Ben Shelton is expected to win the match in straight sets and enter the third round. Their match will take place tomorrow in the Stadium court, and us alongside millions of fans around the globe are locked in.