Luciano Darderi vs Ben Shelton Prediction & Picks - ATP Munich Open

Prediction published on 4/17/25, 4:40 AM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 4/17/25 at 4:44 AM in Tennis Picks

The quarter-finals of the ATP 500 tournament in Munich continue this Friday, with the Italian Luciano Darderi taking on the young American Ben Shelton. This will be the first time these two players have faced each other on the ATP circuit. Luciano Darderi won his very first ATP tournament of the season 10 days ago, in Marrakech, where he recorded a string of victories, losing just one set. In the final, he got the better of Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands to lift the trophy. Very comfortable on clay, he will be the slight favorite against Ben Shelton. In Munich, Darderi won the first round against Australian Christopher O'Connell (7-6, 7-6), but had a tougher time against Miomir Kecmanovic, ranked 48th in the world (just one place behind him).

Ben Shelton, meanwhile, has enjoyed a fine season, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open and the quarter-finals of the Paribas Open. Munich could be the perfect opportunity for him to win his first title of the season. Although his preferred surface is still hard court, he has shown that he can be effective. He defeated Gojo, ranked 410th in the world, and got the better of Van de Zandschulp in the last eight (7-6, 6-3). Ranked among the world's top 15 players, Ben Shelton should be the logical choice to beat this opponent.