Looking for Tennis and Racket Sports International News?
Predictor Picks: Why a Shelton surge in Atlanta could boost your team
Who will be able to add the most net PIF ATP Rankings points across Atlanta, Kitzbuhel and Umag?
The three ATP 250 events — the Atlanta Open, the Generali Open and the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag — provide plenty of opportunity for the ATP Tour stars in action this week.
Before each tournament week, ATPTour.com looks at three players who might be good selections for fans in the PIF ATP Rankings Predictor.
Ben Shelton — replacing 0 points
The American with a booming lefty serve is the top seed in Atlanta and will be keen to leave his mark on the event in its last edition. Ben’s father, Bryan Shelton, was the longtime head coach of the Georgia Tech women’s tennis team. Georgia Tech is the external practice facility for the Atlanta Open, making this a true home event for Shelton.
One year ago, Shang Juncheng upset Shelton in Atlanta and the American will replace zero points this week. After a slow start to the grass-court season, the 21-year-old rebounded with a run to the fourth round at Wimbledon, where only Jannik Sinner was able to stop him. He opens his Atlanta campaign against wild card Andres Martin or a qualifier.
[ATP APP]Andrey Rublev — replacing 45 points
Although Rublev has lost four consecutive matches, Umag can serve as a launching pad for a return to form. The 26-year-old has happy memories in Umag, where in 2017 he claimed his first ATP Tour title.
The top seed will face Camilo Ugo Carabelli or wild card Luka Mikrut in his opening match as he tries to regain momentum. The last time Rublev lost four consecutive matches earlier this year, he reversed his fortunes by claiming ATP Masters 1000 glory in Madrid.
Alejandro Tabilo — replacing 25 points
The Chilean, Tabilo, has been one of the breakthrough stars of the 2024 season. Now a Top 20 player, the 27-year-old is flying as high as ever.
Tabilo did not compete last week, so he will be well-rested as he returns to clay. A winner of titles this year on hard and grass, the Chilean will try to complete a 2024 surface sweep with a trophy in Kitzbühel, where he is the second seed. Tabilo will play Gstaad champion Matteo Berrettini in the second round if the Italian ousts Pavel Kotov, so the lefty will need to be sharp from the start of the tournament.
Bonus Ball — Ben Shelton
Shelton makes sense as a Bonus Ball selection with the massive upside he presents. If you pick him and he triumphs, your team will net 500 points (double 250) for the pick.
Atlanta has long been a haven for big servers. John Isner won the championship six times, and other champions include Andy Roddick and Nick Kyrgios. Will Shelton add his name to the list?
[NEWSLETTER FORM]
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
