Jannik Sinner has been looking incredible this year and is yet to lose a match, so can Ben Shelton be the one who delivers the first defeat of 2024?
The best player right now in tennis is likely the 22-year-old Italian. You can argue about it if you want, but it's been rather clear that no player has played as well as Sinner has this year, and the fact that he's yet to lose a match backs that.
He's still undefeated in 2024 and will certainly look to remain so after the Indian Wells Open. His performances so far this week have been amazing, but he'll have to overcome a pretty tough one in Shelton, who actually bested him before.
The American hasn't played his best tennis so far, but he's always dangerous in conditions like these. He has a massive serve and a lot of power in his game, which can hurt any player. He's not as consistent as Sinner is, but that will come with time.
Head-to-head:
They played two matches so far, with each player winning one. Shelton actually won their first-ever match in Shanghai, which was a superb performance. He would lose a couple of weeks later in Vienna, so what might happen now?
It's tricky to predict because the American certainly has what it takes to beat Sinner, but I think these conditions suit the world no. 3 better. He'll have time to unload from the baseline, and he's far more consistent with it than Shelton.
| Jannik Sinner | Ben Shelton | |
| 1 | H2H | 1 |
| 3 | Rank | 16 |
| 22 | Age | 21 |
| 14-0 | 2024 W/L | 10-5 |
| 204-74 | Career W/L | 39-32 |
Prediction:
Shelton does have the serve, but Sinner is a very good returner. I think he'll return well enough to keep the ball in play long enough to overpower Shelton. There is always a chance the American pulls a rabbit out of his hat, but I don't see it happening.
Prediction: Jannik Sinner to win in two sets.
0 Comments