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People Ben Shelton and Sebastian Korda face fast clay-court assessments with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Jiri Lehecka, respectively, ready within the first spherical on the Monte-Carlo Masters.
(11) Ben Shelton vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Ben Shelton has not traditionally fared effectively on European clay. His clay-court document, which already sits at an anemic 10-11 lifetime, continues to be misleading since 4 of the wins got here in Houston final yr. Sure, it’s a clay occasion–however not European, and largely not contested in opposition to Europeans. In terms of French Open tuneup occasions, the American has had issue successful greater than a match at a time. He gained a pair of matches in Paris final yr however benefitted from Kei Nishikori retiring within the second set.
Monte-Carlo boasts maybe probably the most conventional clay courts on the complete European swing. And which means it’s going to neutralize Shelton’s largest weapon–his serve. If ADF makes his solution to the second spherical, it should technically be thought of an upset but it surely gained’t be a shock.
Cheryl choose: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Ricky choose: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Sebastian Korda vs. Jiri Lehecka
Sebastian Korda is without doubt one of the few American gamers whose sport (and motion) genuinely interprets effectively to clay. He hasn’t been at his finest in 2025, however he made the quarterfinals in Miami a couple of weeks in the past and he’s snug on European clay. Together with his kind on an upswing, Korda is a harmful first-round opponent.
In distinction, Korda’s opponent is Jiri Lehecka of Czechia. The world No. 29 had a promising begin to the season with a title in Brisbane and a run to the spherical of 16 on the Australian Open, however he has been struggling since February and comes into Monte-Carlo with no wins in both Indian Wells or Miami. He gained his solely different match with Korda final yr in Adelaide.
Search for an in-form Korda to advance, though he might drop the center set as he shakes off the rust for his first match on the filth.
Cheryl choose: Korda in 3
Ricky choose: Korda in 3
