The third round at the Rolex Paris Masters will give us a decent clash of generations and styles as the powerful Ben Shelton takes on the Andrey Rublev on Thursday.
Head-to-Head
Shelton currently holds a slight edge in their rivalry, as he won their only previous meeting which was a tight, three-set battle at the 2024 Swiss Indoors Basel quarterfinals.
- Basel 2024 (Hard, Indoors): Shelton vs Rublev 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-4
Current form
Both players have shown solid form to reach the third round. Shelton, the 5th seed, overcame a tough opening challenge against Flavio Cobolli, winning 7-6(4), 6-3. Shelton has commented that the slower indoor hard courts in Paris suit his aggressive game, a factor that might be key in this matchup. He is aiming for a strong run to secure a spot at the year-end ATP Finals.
The Russian 12th seed appears to have found some much-needed rhythm after a quiet period on the tour. Rublev has gotten here via two solid straight-set victories over Jacob Fearnley (6-1, 6-4) and Learner Tien (6-4, 6-4).
Predictions and Odds
While Rublev has been showing signs of form again with two impressive wins, this challenge will be a step up and the American has been a much better player this year. Rublev has a chance if he maintain a high first-serve percentage and limit unforced errors. Shelton wouldn’t mind a deep run here to get back in the fine form he was earlier this season.
Seeing as Sheltons shoulder issues seem to be fine, I would put him as the favorite here in a hard-fought match, maybe even three sets. Winner odds for Shelton is currently around 1.73 or -137.5 while a win for Rublev gives 2.15 (+115), so the bookies see the American as just slight favorite here today.
