Ben Shelton vs Arthur Fils Prediction: Power Meets Precision as Two Rising Stars Compete for a Spot in the Final

A high-stakes encounter greets the semifinals of the ATP 500 Basel as two of the most exciting youngsters on the tour, Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils, go up against each other on October 26, 2024. Both athletes have already showed fantastic victories in their recent surges, a credit to their enormous talent and grit. Explosive server and athlete Shelton comes off the back of a hard-fought win over Andrey Rublev, while Fils is an all-court strategist who impressed for his precision in dispatching Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. That promises a thrilling contrast of power and finesse between the two, each gunning for their first ATP 500 title.

Arthur Fils defeated Ben Shelton 2-1 at ATP Tokyo, September 2024.

The Shelton-Fils rivalry stands just about even, with both of them claiming one win. In their last meeting, Fils outlasted Shelton in three tight sets, showing grit as he maneuvered past the powerful game of Shelton. Previous matches between them did more to outline competitive equality between the two and, consequently, this semifinal match.

The strong lefty game and aggressive baseline play from Shelton often prove to be tough for his opponents. He loves the fast surfaces, especially hard courts, where his big serve and high-octane rallies highlight his offensive game. Now 8-2 in his last 10 and on a three-match win streak, the recent highlight of Shelton's success was a gutsy three-set victory over Rublev that underlined his ability to rise to the big occasion.

Shelton's game is based around aggressive baseline play and his strong left-handed serve that can reach as high as 140 mph. He will try to dominate the service games by using sharp angles and deep returns that keep Fils mostly on the back foot. A well-placed forehand is the most dangerous shot in Shelton's arsenal, able to dictate rallies. In long, contentious rallies, however, Shelton sometimes falls into making high-risk shots.

The strong lefty game and aggressive baseline play from Shelton often prove to be tough for his opponents. He loves the fast surfaces, especially hard courts, where his big serve and high-octane rallies highlight his offensive game. Now 8-2 in his last 10 and on a three-match win streak, the recent highlight of Shelton's success was a gutsy three-set victory over Rublev that underlined his ability to rise to the big occasion.

Shelton's game is based around aggressive baseline play and his strong left-handed serve that can reach as high as 140 mph. He will try to dominate the service games by using sharp angles and deep returns that keep Fils mostly on the back foot. A well-placed forehand is the most dangerous shot in Shelton's arsenal, able to dictate rallies. In long, contentious rallies, however, Shelton sometimes falls into making high-risk shots.

With both players in superlative recent form, this semifinal match between Shelton and Fils is going to be one for keeps. For Shelton, it will all be about holding the percentage of first serves in and keeping the count of unforced errors low, especially on vital points. If he secures an early lead, then an aggressive Shelton may force Fils into riskier tennis. But Shelton needs to be aware that Fils is able to counter-attack, and he's shown to have the knack of capitalizing on his opponents' shortfalls by placing well-placed groundstrokes supported by sharp court coverage.

Fils is likely to try to make the rallies longer to determine how consistent Shelton is, especially in his backhand corner. He may redirect the power coming from Shelton to work him into defensive positions and create chances at dictating play on his own terms. Recent straight sets against Tsitsipas reflected a strategic maturity which will serve him in pretty good stead while trying to contain Shelton's aggressive nature.

• Arthur Fils (+1.5) Games Handicap @ 1.644 Odds
• Arthur Fils Wins @ 1.94 Odds
• Arthur Fils Wins 2-1 @ 4.00 Odds