The clay season is underway, and America’s Ben Shelton is all set to start his campaign at the Monte Carlo Masters against the Spaniard, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. After facing a disappointing early exit from the Miami Open, Shelton will be keen to bounce back on the dirt. Can he find success on clay? “I’m learning, I’m getting better and better. It’s funny because my only title last year was on clay (in Houston),” he says. He now feels more comfortable with his movement on this surface. But can he defeat the proven campaigner on the clay in his first match in Monte Carlo?

Ben Shelton vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: Preview

Ben Shelton started the 2025 season on a positive note, reaching the SF of the Australian Open and then making it to the QF at the Indian Wells Open. However, his defeat against a player ranked 173 in the world in the R64 of the Miami Open was like a bolt from the blue. Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong defeated Shelton by 6(3)-7,6-2,6(5)-7 in that match. 

His opponent, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, on the flipside, has been quite impressive in 2025. He reached the final of the Delray Beach Open and the Mexican Open, but unfortunately for the Spaniard, he failed to clinch the titles on both these occasions. Can he change his fortunes in Monte Carlo? Well, Fokina will be entering this contest following a 5-7,6(5)-7 defeat to America’s Frances Tiafoe in the R64 of the Miami Open.

Shelton vs Fokina: Head-to-Head

Ben Shelton has crossed paths with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina only once in his career so far. The Spaniard had the last laugh in that encounter. Fokina currently leads the H2H record by 1-0.

• 2023 ATP Masters 1000 Paris R64: Fokina 7-6(4),5-7,6-3.

Prediction: Fokina will win this match in three sets

Shocked? Well, you shouldn’t be! Not only does Alejandro Davidovich Fokina have a lead in their H2H record, but his overall record on the clay courts is superior to that of Ben Shelton. Shelton (14) may be a higher-ranked player of the two, but given the match is on clay, Fokina’s chances can’t be written off completely!

Fokina reached the final in Monte Carlo in 2022, and his best record at the French Open has been reaching the QF in 2021. Whereas, Shelton has struggled a bit on the clay in the past. His best record at Roland Garros has been reaching the third round. Fokina has a win-loss record of 14-8 this season, whereas it’s just 10-7 for the American. 

If we take a look at their playing styles, Shelton, a left-handed player, is known for his powerful serve, strong groundstrokes, and willingness to move to the net, playing a first-strike, highly offensive style of tennis. He has already hit 141 aces this season! Apart from his incredible serves, Shelton is also quite consistent and powerful on both the forehand and backhand sides.

Conversely, Fokina is known for his aggressive, all-court style characterized by a blistering double-handed backhand, deft drop shots, and strong baseline game, making him a formidable opponent on any surface. His quick movements, along with powerful groundstrokes, can be a real threat against any opponent. Apart from that, he also has the unique ability to hit excellent returns from difficult angles.

Considering all these aspects, it might be tough for Ben Shelton to win this epic battle, even though he is a higher-ranked player. The prediction is for Fokinato to win the match in a third-setter.