Ben Shelton will face Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open, and it's a very interesting clash of youth and experience.
One of these players won 23 Grand Slams so far, while the other is only playing his 5th Grand Slam ever. Even so, Ben Shelton is far from an afterthought, as the American already proved his value by winning a couple of great matches, including the one against Frances Tiafoe.
Tiafoe played in the semi-final last year, so that win didn't happen by chance. The 20-year-old outplayed him like Novak Djokovic outplayed Taylor Fritz earlier in the day. This is a big one for Shelton, so let's see what might happen.
Head-to-head:
As this year is the first full season of the American youngster on the ATP Tour, obviously, we didn't see this matchup before. Djokovic isn't playing as much as he used to, and they weren't in the same draws often this year. We finally get the match, and it's going to be a good one, though it will depend on Shelton.
Prediction:
Ben Shelton has a powerful serve. We have to start there because that part of the equation will be crucial. If he manages to serve well and keep Djokovic guessing, that will open chances for him. They're not huge chances because Djokovic should have the upper hand in rallies, but the serve can do some damage.
To win, Shelton will have to play the best match he's ever played in his life. There is no other way around because Djokovic will be all over him. He's the best returner in recent memory, possibly ever, so he has all the tools to neutralize the American.
If he manages to neutralize the serve then it's over. I think he'll do that and win the match.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in four sets.
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