Indian Wells 2024: Ben Shelton vs Jannik Sinner Preview; Head-to-Head, and Prediction

Mar 12, 2024 | 2:24 AM EDT

Link Copied!

After the conclusion of the initial round fixtures, the tennis community will now be treated to some high-profile encounters at ‘Tennis Paradise.’ In a blockbuster round-of-16 game of the Indian Wells Masters, the newly crowned Grand Slam champion, Jannik Sinner, will square off against his 16th-seeded American opponent, Ben Shelton. As both top-ranked participants will be competing for a place in the quarterfinals, it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious in this match.

The BNP Paribas Open, which is part of the ATP Masters 1000 category, features some of the biggest names on the men’s tour contesting at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Even though high-profile games take place in the latter stages, one will be witnessed in the R16 of this outdoor hardcourt event.

Ben Shelton vs Jannik Sinner: Indian Wells Open round of 16 match preview

Article continues below this ad

After his campaign at the Mexican Open, Ben Shelton has participated in the BNP Paribas Open as the 16th-seeded participant. On his home turf, the American tennis prodigy swept aside the likes of 22nd-seeded Francisco Cerundolo and Jakub Menšík in his first two matches, as he has now reached the round of 16 at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 15, 2023 Ben Shelton of the U.S. during a practice session REUTERS/Loren Elliott

Article continues below this ad

Jannik Sinner, on the other hand, is coming to the Indian Wells Open after his triumphant run at the ATP Rotterdam. Entering the tournament as the third seed, the Italian tennis sensation breezed past Thanasi Kokkinakis while pulling off a bagel set, 6-3, 6-0. In the round of 32, the reigning Grand Slam champion then defeated his German opponent, Jan-Lennard Struff, in another straight-set game.

Shelton vs Sinner: Head-to-Head

The R16 match between Ben Shelton and Jannik Sinner at the ATP Masters 1000 event will also mark their third meeting on the men’s circuit. In the 2023 season, Shelton and Sinner faced each other twice on the court, while their H2H record is currently locked at 1-1.

Prediction: Sinner to prevail in the round of 16 match of the Indian Wells Masters

The Italian sensation is currently ranked third on the ATP tour, while he also has 12 singles titles, including a Grand Slam, under his belt. Jannik Sinner has performed brilliantly throughout the BNP Paribas Open, as he has yet to drop a single set in the tournament.

Article continues below this ad

The reigning Australian Open champion’s recent phenomenal form on the hard courts and his current ranking will make him the favorite to win not just this match but also the championship game. Who do you think will prevail in this high-profile BNP Paribas Open encounter between Sinner and Shelton? Let us know in the comments section.