Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov Preview & Prediction | 2024 Italian Open | Second Round
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THE FACTS
What is this tournament classed as in terms of ranking points? ATP 1000
When is Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov on and what time does it start? Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov will take place on Friday 10th May, 2024 – not before 11:20 (UK)
Where is Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov taking place? Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov will take place at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy
What surface is Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov being played on? Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov will take place on an outdoor clay court
Where can I get tickets for Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov
What channel is Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov on in the UK? Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov will be televised live on Sky Sports in the UK
Where can I stream Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov live on Sky Go, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
21-year-old Ben Shelton moved back up to his career-high ATP world ranking of 14th this week, first set this time last month after winning the Houston Open on clay, but he will be hoping to stick around longer than his third round exit to Alexander Bublik in Madrid last time out. The powerful left-hander is far from his most effective in these conditions but he should still expect to win this first encounter with world number 63 Pavel Kotov, who looks in great shape after a 6-1 6-1 victory over another American youngster in Alex Michelsen.
Shelton’s victory over clay specialist Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Houston last month is proof that he can overpower the more comfortable players on slower surfaces but this is no gimme at all against Kotov, who needed Jannik Sinner to oust him from the third round in Madrid. The suitably cautious move is taking Shelton to earn at least a set but consider a one-off on Kotov to cause an upset.
TIP: BEN SHELTON TO WIN A SET