US Open Predictions & Betting Tips: Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe

A mouthwatering all-American clash will take place in the US Open third round on Friday as last year’s quarterfinalists Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe meet again.

The 2023 quarter-final tie saw Shelton progress to the semi-final stage and end his fellow countryman’s journey in the tournament. Shelton, son of former tennis player and coach Bryan Shelton, became the youngest American man to reach the semifinals since 1992. 

Ben Shelton

Keen to prove that last year’s semi-final was not a one-time feat, the 21-year-old overcame Robert Bautista Agut on Wednesday afternoon in what was a scorching hot match, and that was not just the weather. Crowds gathered to see one of Ben Shelton’s signature serves. The American did not disappoint, and despite the high temperatures and humidity making playing conditions challenging, recorded the fastest serve of the match at an incredible 141mph. 

Frances Tiafoe

Progressing to the third round after his second-round opponent, Alexander Shevchenko, was forced to retire in the third set, Tiafoe looked comfortable and raring to go as he led the Russian-Kazakhstani 6-4, 6-1, 1-0. Up next for the 26-year-old is a rematch against his friend-turned-foe Ben Shelton—the youngster who sent him home last time out in the US Open at the quarter-final stage. If he needed any extra motivation, this sure would be the matchup to produce just that.

Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe History 

Despite only meeting each other twice, there is already enough to write a history book about these two. In matches that never fail to entertain, their first meeting came at the 2023 US Open quarter-final stage, where ultimately, it was Shelton who progressed through to the semi-finals with a four-set victory. The pair met again in April this year, where Shelton defeated Tiafoe again, this time in the Houston final. 

Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe Betting Tips 

In what is undoubtedly going to be an entertaining tie between the two home players, with Shelton on a two-match winning streak between the pair and Tiafoe out for redemption, our experts are backing a close match. 

• Match To Be a Five Setter – Yes @ 8/1 with bet365.
• Ben Shelton to Win the Match @ 4/6 with bet365.

These odds are provided by bet365 and are correct at the time of publishing (29/08/2024).