Ben Shelton vs Jakub Mensik Preview & Prediction | 2025 Auckland Open (ASB Classic) | Round of 16

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Ben Shelton returns to Auckland as the number one seed as he did last year but he faces a tough opening match against talented Czech star Jakub Mensik

Ranking points: ATP 250

Start date/time: Wednesday 8th January, 2025, UK – not before 5:30am / US ET – not before 12:30am / Tuesday 7th January, US PT – not before 9:30pm

Venue:  ASB Tennis Centre, Auckland, New Zealand

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Ben Shelton vs Jakub Mensik ticket information

Ben Shelton vs Jakub Mensik Prediction

Top seed Ben Shelton was the number one seed last year in Auckland but he was stunned in the semi-finals by Taro Daniel, so he returns in 2025 hoping to do better this time around. He did not play in any of the events last week so this is his first tournament and the 22-year-old American will be hoping to get some valuable court time in ahead of the Australian Open.

Jakub Mensik won on Tuesday against Pablo Carreno Busta but he went to three sets in a hard-fought match. Mensik blasted a stunning 18 aces in that match as the Spaniard struggled to return his serve and it will be interesting to see if he can produce similar numbers against a player with the calibre of Shelton.

These two players met at Indian Wells last year and it was Shelton who won their only previous meeting. Shelton has a huge serve of his own and Mensik could well struggle against the left-hander. We expect some long sets here, but we favour Shelton to come through a battle.

Ben Shelton vs Jakub Mensik Tip: Ben Shelton to win