Ben Shelton is poised to take on Flavio Cobolli at the 2025 Mexican Open, with the match set to begin on Monday, February 24, at 8:30 PM local time. This first-round clash will mark the third meeting between the two players, with Cobolli holding the advantage with victories in their previous encounters.
Currently ranked No. 14, Shelton is eager to return to the court after reaching the semifinals at the recent Australian Open. His last tournament saw him lose to Munar Clar in the second round of Dallas on February 6, but he holds a respectable 6-3 record for the year. Meanwhile, Cobolli, ranked No. 39, enters the match with a 2-5 record for the 2025 season, struggling to find his rhythm on hard courts.
Historically, Cobolli has won both previous encounters against Shelton, including a recent semifinal showing at Washington last year. Both contests proved competitive, with the latest match ending with Cobolli victorious at 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. The head-to-head rivalry is certainly one to watch, with Cobolli clearly having the psychological edge, having recorded solid wins against Shelton.
This time, the stakes are high as both players aim for momentum heading toward the Sunshine Double. Experts believe Shelton is favored to take the win, buoyed by his strong performance at the Australian Open, where he demonstrated his potential against some of the best players. Currently, betting odds reflect this sentiment, with Shelton sitting at -357 odds compared to Cobolli’s +275.
The match will be held at Arena GNP Seguros, Acapulco, Mexico, on outdoor hard courts, which adds another layer of complexity. Conditions are expected to be favorable for both players, and spectators can enjoy the match through various broadcast options, including Tennis Channel.
Among their past performances, Cobolli achieved success last year, which makes this matchup intriguing. He navigated challenging opponents to reach impressive stages of tournaments, whereas Shelton’s recent success serves as evidence of his upward trend.
Both players have their strengths: Shelton's explosive serve and powerful groundstrokes coupled with Cobolli's strategic play and consistency could lead to another thrilling encounter.
Betting analysts like Dimers provide insights, offering Shelton's win probability at 65.2% based on extensive match simulations, indicating strong support for the American's chances. Predictions suggest, based on Cobolli's recent form, the match could go the distance, likely exceeding over 22.5 total games.
While predictions favor Shelton, Cobolli’s previous victories create uncertainty, ensuring tennis fans will be treated to high-stakes drama this February. Both players look to build confidence early this season, with the outcome potentially setting the tone for their campaigns.
This first-round clash marks not only another chapter in their rivalry but also showcases two players eager to establish their position early this ATP season. With the potential for firepower displayed on the court, fans should be prepared for some riveting tennis action.