US Open 2024: Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (13) Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Tournament: US Open 2024
Round: Second Round (Round of 64)
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, U.S.
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $3,600,000
Live Telecast: USA - ESPN | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS | India - Sony Network
Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut preview
13th seed and home favorite Ben Shelton will take on Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday, August 28.
Shelton entered New York with a 30-19 match record for the season and has won one title at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships, where he defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the final.
Shelton had a relatively successful American hardcourt swing, reaching the semifinals in Montreal before being surprised by Flavio Cobolli despite winning the first set. He also faced an unexpected defeat to eventual champion Alexei Popyrin in the second round in Montreal. In Cincinnati, he looked strong but was defeated by a resilient Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.
Shelton began his US Open campaign with a commanding 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 victory over 2020 champion Dominic Thiem, in the latter's last match at the event. Thiem will be retiring from the sport after the Vienna Open next month.
In contrast, Bautista Agut entered the US Open with a disappointing 15-16 match record for the season. His best result so far has been reaching the quarterfinals in Mallorca. His American hardcourt swing has been disappointing, with first-round exits in Washington and Montreal, and a first-round loss in Cincinnati qualifying.
Bautista Agut opened his US Open campaign with a gutsy three-set win over Luca Nardi, 7-5, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5).
Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut head-to-head
Ben Shelton leads Roberto Bautista Agut 1-0 in their head-to-head, winning their only encounter in straight sets 6-2, 7-6 (2), 7-5 at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Ben Shelton vs Roberto Bautista Agut prediction
Ben Shelton's recent performances and home support mean he will be the overwhelming favorite to win this match. His impressive win in the first round has also shown his readiness for the event and a glimpse into his powerful and tenacious game.
Bautista Agut's recent form has been a cause for concern. His tight first-round encounter also suggested that he might be struggling to find his best form, something he's had trouble with over the season.
Shelton should make it through this contest if he can carry forward his aggressive play and capitalize on Bautista Agut's inconsistent form this season.
Pick: Shelton in straight sets.