Ben Shelton vs Lorenzo Sonego Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP French Open

Prediction published on 26/05/2023, 10:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 26/05/2023 at 11:25 in Tennis Predictions

30th seeded Ben Shelton has a tough first ever match at Roland Garros against Lorenzo Sonego. Shelton most likely didn't expect to be seeded for this Grand Slam when 2023 began. He was only ranked 96th but has moved up the rankings this year. He starts this tournament ranked 35th but that's mainly down to his reaching the last eight at the Australian Open. The 20-year-old hasn't really built on that performance in Melbourne. His only tournament in which he's got past the last 16 was a Challengr Tour event in Cagliari. Shelton got to the last four but didn't beat any top 100 ranked players. On the ATP Tour, Shelton has only won two of seven matches played on clay in 2023. 

Lorenzo Sonego has far more clay court experience than his young opponent. The Italian reached the fourth round at Roland Garros in 2020. Last year saw him get to the third round of the French Open. The 28-year-old begins this tournament ranked 45th in the world. He has been as low as 71st this year which is 50 places below the career high achieved two years ago. His form on clay this year has been a bit inconsistent with no quarter finals being reached. He's had some tough draws though with losses including being beaten by Stefanos Tsitsipas and in-fom Jan-Lennard Struff. We feel he can win this match to set up a second round meeting with either Adrian Mannarino or Ugo Humbert.