We have an all-American final at ATP Houston as No. 1 seed Ben Shelton squares off against No. 3 seed Frances Tiafoe. This will be their second career meeting, with Shelton besting Tiafoe in the 2023 US Open quarterfinals. Expect a high-intensity battle between these compatriots. But who do you think will emerge victorious?
ATP Houston Final Prediction
Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-to-Head: Shelton 1-0 Tiafoe
Ben Shelton came to ATP Houston with a career 2-8 record on the clay. After dropping his opening set of the tournament to Zizou Berges, the 21-year-old has won six of seven sets to reach the final. He came from a set down in the semis to beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7 6-4 6-4. All things considered, that was one of the most impressive wins I have seen from Shelton during his young career.
Frances Tiafoe has been clinical in Houston, dropping just one set en route to his first final since June 2023. Although the 26-year-old favors hard courts, he is 11-4 on the clay since 2023. After a 7-7 start to the season, this run to the Houston final was much needed as the American looks to make noise in Europe this summer.
We will undoubtedly see high intensity from both players on Sunday. Shelton and Tiafoe are two of the more active showmen on the ATP Tour and will be looking to coax the American crowd to their side. Shelton’s monster serve helped propel him by Tiafoe at the 2023 US Open. That serve is less effective on clay, allowing Tiafoe to start rallies and force his younger compatriot to dig from the corners. I expect a three-set battle, but I give the slight edge to Tiafoe. He has spent nearly two hours less time on-court this week than Shelton.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
