Ben Shelton is back in the United States, and he'll be playing at the 2024 Dallas Open, starting against compatriot Michael Mmoh.
Mmoh is a very interesting player who has been playing on a solid level for many years now. He doesn't have too much experience on the highest level on the ATP Tour, but he's proven himself more than once to be a pretty solid player and, as of recent times, a regular in the Top 100.
He's already played one match in Dallas and cruised, which means that this won't be an easy start for Shelton. It's the first time in Dallas for the 21-year-old, and after impressing with his basketball skills on social media, it's time for him to prove them on a tennis court.
The conditions should suit the rising star, but how will he handle the always-solid Mmoh after getting a difficult draw?
Head-to-head:
Shelton and Mmoh obviously know each other by virtue of being American, but they also played against each other once. It happened at the US Open qualifiers in 2021 when Shelton bested Mmoh in a very close two-set match. Both sets went to a tie-break, and don't be surprised if something similar happens again.
This is not a matchup that will be easy for Shelton, as his opponent is very quick around the court and doesn't make too many mistakes. He doesn't have the weapons Shelton has, but that doesn't make him any less of a threat.
| Ben Shelton | Michael Mmoh | |
| 1 | H2H | 0 |
| 16 | Rank | 115 |
| 21 | Age | 26 |
| 4-3 | 2024 W/L | 4-4 |
| 33-30 | Career W/L | 26-37 |
Prediction:
Of course, the match is on Shelton's racquet, as the attacking style should work really well in Dallas. It's still his first match since the Australian Open, so there might be some early struggles until he finds his footing.
Having played a doubles match should help with that, and I think he'll win. It might be a tight victory, but a win nonetheless.
Prediction: Ben Shelton to win in three sets.
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