Ben Shelton vs Kei Nishikori Preview & Prediction | 2024 French Open | Second Round
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This should be a good-natured, entertaining first encounter between players at polar opposite ends of their careers.
START DATE/TIME: Wednesday 29th May 2024, UK – not before 10:00 / US EST – not before 05:00 / US PST – not before 02:00
VENUE: Roland Garros Stadium, Paris, France
SURFACE: Outdoor clay
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Eurosport / US – NBC, Peacock and Tennis Channel
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – discovery+ / US – NBC, Peacock and Tennis Channel
TICKETS: Visit this link for the latest Ben Shelton vs Kei Nishikori ticket information
BEN SHELTON VS KEI NISHIKORI PREDICTION
Former world number four Kei Nishikori did what he does best on Sunday – win in five sets – with a well-earned if slightly unnecessary result over Gabriel Diallo. The 34-year-old will be elated with a first win since late July as he desperately attempts to make another return from injury but this is a much tougher draw, against another powerful hitter like Diallo, and probably several steps too far this early in his comeback.
World number 15 Ben Shelton’s maxed-out game may never find a true home on clay but the 21-year-old has made admirable improvements on it over the past 12 months. Coming back from a set down to oust fellow lefty Hugo Gaston is an excellent result in Paris, where the diminutive Frenchman enjoys superhero status, and Shelton won his second ATP title on clay at the Houston Open last month to chart progress.
A top clay-courter should be too much for the American eventually this fortnight but back him to beat Nishikori in what should be another entertaining scrap.
BEN SHELTON VS KEI NISHIKORI TIP: BEN SHELTON TO WIN