Watchout tennis lovers, Ben Shelton is back to action this week! The American ATP pro must be high on confidence after making it to the summit clash of the BMW Open a few days back. Sadly, he couldn’t lift the trophy against a formidable opponent, Alexander Zverev, who won his third Munich title. But Shelton will look to carry his form into the next big tournament. On Friday, the World No.13 will begin his Madrid Open campaign in a rematch with Argentinian Mariano Navone. They recently met last month at the Indian Wells. So who will have the last laugh this time? Let’s try to find out!

Ben Shelton v Mariano Navone: Preview

Ben Shelton’s 2025 season started on a solid note as he succeeded in making a phenomenal run down under. After 22 years, he became the youngest American to reach the semifinal round of the Australian Open, since Andy Roddick in 2003. He showed his consistency once again at the Indian Wells, where he reached the QF stage before losing to eventual winner Jack Draper. However, Shelton then went through a poor phase in back-to-back tournaments.

At the Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters, he failed to impress, losing in first rounds successively. But the American pro didn’t take long to bounce back. In Munich, he managed to enter the final before losing the chance to lift the BMW Open trophy against Zverev.

Speaking of his opponent, Argentinian Mariano Navone’s 2025 season has been inconsistent. He began the year with an early round exit (R32) in Brisbane. In the next event, ASB Classic, the poor run continued as he was ousted in R16. At the Australian Open, too, Navone failed to leave a lasting impression. Jack Draper edged him out in the first round with a score line of 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

He then witnessed some relief in his home event, the Argentina Open. Navone succeeded in reaching the QF stage before losing to 18-year-old sensation Joao Fonseca. And then the poor run returned once again.

In his next seven ATP appearances, the World No.85 couldn’t make deep runs at all. In Rio, Chile, Indian Wells, Miami, Bucharest, Monte Carlo Masters, and Munich, he crashed out in R16, R16, R64, R128, R16, R64, and R16 respectively. Coming into the Madrid Open, he began his campaign on a winning note this week. Playing the first round, Navone beat Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).

Shelton v Navone: Head-to-Head

Both players have met each other twice across ATP events. So far, Shelton is dominating the h2h tally with a 2-0 lead against Navone. The last time they met, it was during this season’s BNP Paribas Open in March. The American ended up winning, eventually.

• 2025 Indian Wells Masters R64: Shelton 6-3, 6-2
• 2024 Tokyo R16: Shelton 6-4, 6-3

Prediction: Ben Shelton to win in straight sets

Ben Shelton has got a crucial edge in terms of singles stats over Mariano Navone. The American has won 14 of his 22 matches in 2025 (63.63 win percentage) compared to the Argentinian (9-11). And what about their event history?

Shelton has played two campaigns at the Madrid Open so far. He’s not been able to make deep runs yet. In 2023 and 2024 editions, the World No.13 crashed out in R64 and R32. On the other hand, Navone has only competed once in Madrid. Last season, he couldn’t go past R64 after losing to Denmark’s Holger Rune.

Coming onto their playing styles, Shelton possesses speedy serves that can dismantle his opponents’ focus. Interestingly, he’s hit over 140 aces already this season. Combine that up with his solid groundstrokes. He also likes to approach the net at times to build pressure on the rivals. Both his forehand and backhand shots are equally effective in earning key points.

When it comes to Navone, he’s known for his powerful baseline game. Not to forget his excellent agility on the court. Simply put, he can adjust his movement at ease between the baseline and the net.

Considering the stats and overall form this season, the American looks the favorite. He has the chance to pull off a hat-trick of victories against Navone while extending the h2h lead. On Friday, Ben Shelton is expected to win the R64 encounter of the Madrid Open in straight sets.