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Match Details
Fixture: (14) Ben Shelton vs (Q) Mattia Bellucci
Date: Monday, July 1
Tournament: Wimbledon, 2024
Round: First Round (Round of 128)
Venue: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Grass
Prize: £ 50,000,000
Where to Watch: USA - Tennis Channel & Espn, UK - BBC, Canada - TSN, India- Disney+Hotstar
Ben Shelton vs Mattia Bellucci preview
The first round of 2024 Wimbledon will see American young sensation Ben Shelton take on Qualifier Mattia Bellucci of Italy. Shelton had a decent start to the 2024 season. He reached the semi-final of the ASB Classic, losing to Taro Daniel. He had back-to-back good results at the Dallas Open ( Semi-final loss to Tommy Paul), and at the Mexican Open (Quarter-final loss to Casper Ruud). Shelton went on to win the title at the Houston Open, defeating compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the final.
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Since winning the title in Houston, Shelton's form has nosedived as he has lost in the opening rounds of tournaments mostly. Even in the grass court season, the American had first-round exits at the Stuttgart Open and the Queen's Club Championships. He entered the Mallorca Championships as the top seed but lost in the quarter-finals against Paul Jubb.
Mattia Bellucci has mostly played at the qualifiers in the 2024 season and challenger events. The two ATP events that the Italian has played are the two majors. He failed to make it to the main draw of the Australian Open. He made his Roland Garros main draw debut, losing to Frances Tiafoe in the first round.
At the 2024 Wimbledon, Bellucci won three consecutive matches to qualify for the main draw. He won against Duje Ajdukovic and Bernabe Zapata Miralles. In the third round, Bellucci overcame the challenge of David Goffin, who is a former top-10 player and a former quarter-finalist at Wimbledon.
Ben Shelton vs Mattia Bellucci head-to-head
This will be the maiden encounter between Shelton and Bellucci on the ATP Tour.
Ben Shelton vs Mattia Bellucci odds
(Odds will be updated once available)
Ben Shelton vs Mattia Bellucci prediction
This is only the second time Shelton will be playing at Wimbledon after making his debut last year. The American's main point of strength is his big serve. Shelton's serve has been recorded at an impressive 150mph in this year's BNP Paribas Open. With that, the left-handed angle of the American will make his serve even more dangerous on the grass.
Bellucci has not played tennis at the highest possible level in 2024. The Italian, however, has already played three matches in the Wimbledon qualifiers. This would have helped him understand how the courts might be playing.
Given Shelton's ranking, experience of playing on the Grand Slam stage, and technical prowess, he is the overwhelming favorite in the match and should be able to win it easily.
Pick- Ben Shelton to win in straight sets.
