It is not the start that Ben Shelton was looking for. Following a breakthrough 2023 season, the American sensation was looking to make a positive beginning to the 2024 season. However, he lost his first match this year, going down fighting against Roman Safiullin in Brisbane. The 21-year-old will hope for a better comeback as the Australian Open looms ahead. A warm-up event before the first Grand Slam tournament of the season is all he needs to get back in shape.

Shelton is in Auckland to participate in the ASB Classic. He takes on Fábián Marozsán in the second round of the tournament. Let’s find out more about this clash and who has a better chance to win.

Ben Shelton vs Fábián Marozsán: Preview

Following a disappointing run at Brisbane International where he lost in the opening round, the American star will be looking for redemption in Auckland. Ben Shelton is the top seed at the ASB Classic and was handed a bye in the opening round. As a result, the match against Hungary’s Marozsán will be his first match in the tournament. Despite unfamiliar conditions, Shelton will be the hot favorite in the clash between two young stars.

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On the other hand, Marozsán enters the match on the back of a hard-fought victory over veteran Gael Monfils. The Hungarian star caused a massive upset as he knocked out Monfils in a three-setter thriller 6-4, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (4). Their match went right to the distance and took over two and a half hours to complete. Following this victory, Marozsán will be oozing confidence when he faces Shelton.

Shelton vs Marozsán: Head-to-Head

While Ben Shelton regularly plays at the top level, his Hungarian opponent is lesser-known and out of the top 50 of the ATP rankings. The two haven’t faced each other yet on the ATP Tour and Auckland will be the first time they come face-to-face.

Thus, unpredictability can be a huge factor in the outcome of the match. Although Shelton is a hot favorite to win the match, Marozsán will be looking to make the most of the opportunity in hand ahead of the Australian Open. Let’s look at the predicted outcome of the match.

Prediction: Shelton to win in straight sets

Despite not having a great start to the season, Shelton is toiling hard in the practice sessions. He is looking to leave his mark this year and will hope to make amends when he faces Marozsan. The American sensation will come out with guns blazing and is predicted to win his match in straight sets.

The game will take place tomorrow, Jan. 10th, on the center court during the afternoon session. It’ll be interesting to see Shelton in action, given the anticipation surrounding him to become America’s next top player.

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