Madrid Open 2024: Ben Shelton vs Alexander Bublik preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (14) Ben Shelton vs (17) Alexander Bublik
Date: April 29, 2024
Tournament: Mutua Madrid Open
Round: Third round
Venue: Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain
Category: ATP 1000
Surface: Clay
Prize Money: €7,697,965
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel/TC Plus | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Ben Shelton vs Alexander Bublik preview
Fourteenth seed Ben Shelton will take on Alexander Bublik in the third round of the Madrid Open.
Shelton has made an impressive start to the season by chalking up 16 wins from 23 matches, including a title-winning run in the U.S. Men's Claycourt Championships in Houston. He also reached the fourth round of the Indian Wells, where he lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
The American started his campaign in Madrid with a solid win against Tomas Machak in the second round. He defeated the Czech in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. Shelton will be hoping to make a deep run on his second appearance in the Madrid Open.
Alexander Bublik, meanwhile, has made a propitious start to the season by garnering 15 wins from 23 matches, including a title-winning run in Montpellier and a runner-up finish in Dubai. He also reached the semifinals of the Adelaide International, where he lost to Jack Draper in straight sets.
The Kazakh entered the Madrid Open on the back of a first-round exit in the Monte-Carlo Masters. He began his campaign with a resilient win against Roberto Carballes Baena in the second round, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2. Bublik will be eager to present a strong challenge to Shelton.
Ben Shelton vs Alexander Bublik head-to-head
Bublik leads the head-to-head against Shelton 1-0. He defeated the American in the 2023 Italian Open.
Ben Shelton vs Alexander Bublik odds
All odds are sourced by BetMGM.
Ben Shelton vs Alexander Bublik prediction
A gripping encounter is on the cards between Ben Shelton and Alexander Bublik in the third round of the Miami Open. Both players will be determined to make a significant impact at the Masters 1000 event.
Shelton is constantly improving his game on the main tour. His consistent results in the last seven to eight months showcase his potential to succeed at the highest level. The American is known for his rocketing serve and versatile all-around game.
Bublik, on the contrary, has shown glimpses of his top potential this year. He lacks consistency at times on the main tour but possesses the skill set to challenge high-quality players. The Kazakh likes to play an aggressive brand of tennis and add a bit of creativity to his game.
Ultimately, the player who recovers well and executes their strategy efficiently will have the upper hand in this bout. Considering their recent form and overall game on clay, Shelton should be able to edge past Bublik and continue his run in Madrid.
Pick: Shelton to win in straight sets.