Round one of the US Open continues with home favourite Ben Shelton in action against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows.
Shelton is one of the favorites to take the US Open title but faces a tough test first up against the talented Grieskpoor, whose low ranking can in part be put down to his poor fitness record of late.
The world number 56 comes into this match off the back of some impressive victories on the hard courts, notably one against French Open Champion and number one seed Alexander Zverev in Montreal.
His tournament ended on a sour note in Canada, though, after injury issues hampered him in the last-16 and he fell to a disappointing defeat against Daniel Merida Aguilar.
Shelton lifted the trophy in Montreal, seeing off fellow American Brandon Nakashima in the final to set himself up nicely for a deep run in New York.
That title in Canada made it four tournament wins this season for Shelton, one on each surface, but does not make up for his poor recent Grand Slam form. Shelton lost in the first round at Wimbledon and the second round in Paris.
His run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open before defeat to Jannick Sinner suggests that he is more at home on hard courts and can make deep inroads in front of a partisan American audience.
Ben Shelton vs. Tallon Griekspoor betting picks and predictions
Ben Shelton to win 3-1 (+225)
Shelton heads into his US Open opener against Griekspoor with plenty of confidence after successfully defending his Canadian Open title without dropping a set.
The American won all six matches in Montreal and dropped serve just three times, underlining how effective his biggest weapon has been.
Shelton has enjoyed an inconsistent year at the Grand Slams, going out in the third round at the Australian Open, second round at Roland Garros and third round at Wimbledon.
However, he has already shown he can produce his best tennis in New York, reaching the semi-finals in 2023.
Griekspoor is capable of making life difficult. The Dutchman defeated Zverev in Montreal and has a 3-3 record against top-10 players over the last year.
However, injuries have disrupted his season and he has lost in the first round in three of his five US Open appearances.
Shelton's serve should ultimately prove decisive on the fast Arthur Ashe court, but Griekspoor's experience and ability to raise his level against elite opposition make him capable of taking a set.
Ben Shelton over 20.5 games won (-110)
Shelton averages around 10 aces per match this season and the quick conditions in New York should allow him to lean heavily on that weapon.
His recent Canadian Open triumph provides further encouragement. He defended his title without dropping a set and produced some outstanding serving numbers throughout the tournament, facing no break points in three of his six matches.
Griekspoor is unlikely to go quietly, though. The Dutchman has shown he can trouble top players, most notably when he came from a set down to defeat Zverev in Montreal.
His break-point conversion has also been better than the tour average this season.
That makes a long match possible, particularly if Griekspoor can force Shelton into some extended sets.
Even if Shelton wins in four, as expected, he should have enough opportunities to reach 21 or more games himself. Over 20.5 Shelton games at -110 looks a solid option.
Over 36.5 total games (-120)
There are plenty of reasons to expect a lengthy first-round contest between Shelton and Griekspoor, making over 36.5 total games at -120 an attractive selection.
Shelton's serve is likely to produce plenty of holds and potentially lead to a tiebreak in at least one of the sets, while Griekspoor has enough power and experience to make the American work for his victory.
The Dutchman has already demonstrated this year that he can raise his level against elite opposition.
Shelton is the clear favorite and arrives in far better form, but his recent Grand Slam results suggest he is not guaranteed to cruise through the opening rounds.
He lost from a winning position against Otto Virtanen at Wimbledon in the first round and was beaten by Raphael Collignon at Roland Garros in just the second round.
Griekspoor has also been inconsistent, with injuries contributing to a 12-17 season record, but he managed to reach the fourth round in Montreal before losing to Aguilar.
A 3-1 Shelton victory would likely require at least 37 games if the sets are competitive, while a five-set battle should comfortably clear the line.
With both players capable of protecting their serves, over 36.5 games looks well placed.
Ben Shelton vs. Tallon Griekspoor odds
Ben Shelton | -800 |
Tallon Griekspoor | +500 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
