Olaniyi AyoolaAs Denis Shapovalov and Ben Shelton prepare to face off again, their budding rivalry continues to captivate tennis enthusiasts. This upcoming match marks their fourth encounter, with Shelton currently leading the head-to-head 3–0.
Head-to-Head Overview
Shelton has emerged victorious in all three of their previous meetings. Their first clash occurred at Wimbledon 2024, where Shelton triumphed in a grueling five-set battle. Subsequent matches saw Shelton winning in straight sets, including their most recent encounter at the Shanghai Rolex Masters in October 2024, where he secured a 6–3, 7–5 victory. stevegtennis.com+2matchstat.com+2tennistonic.com+2
Recent Performances
Shapovalov has shown resilience and form in recent tournaments. In 2025, he clinched the Dallas Open title, defeating top players like Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Casper Ruud. This victory marked his third ATP title and his first at the ATP 500 level. Additionally, he won the Belgrade Open in 2024, ending a title drought since 2019.
Shelton, on the other hand, has been making significant strides. He reached the finals of the 2025 BMW Open, becoming the first American man to reach a clay court final at ATP 500 level or higher since Andre Agassi in 2002. Although he lost to Alexander Zverev in the final, his performance signaled his growing prowess on different surfaces.
Match Prediction
Given their history, Shelton enters the match with a psychological edge. His powerful serve and aggressive baseline play have consistently challenged Shapovalov. However, Shapovalov’s recent successes indicate he’s in good form and capable of turning the tide. If he can maintain consistency and capitalize on break opportunities, he stands a chance to secure his first win against Shelton.
Nevertheless, considering Shelton’s current momentum and past victories over Shapovalov, he remains the favorite. Expect a competitive match, potentially extending to three sets, with Shelton likely to edge out a win.
Olaniyi Ayoola
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