Australian Open Preview and Tip: Back Sonego to Take a Set Off Shelton at 6/5
The Australian Open is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the tennis calendar, and 2025’s edition promises to be no different. As we head into the later stages of the tournament, the excitement is building, with some thrilling matchups awaiting tennis fans. In this blog post, we’ll dive into a preview of an intriguing upcoming clash and offer a tip that could be worth your consideration. The matchup in focus is between the talented Lorenzo Sonego and the rising star Ben Shelton, with our suggestion being to back Sonego to take a set off Shelton at odds of 6/5.
The Australian Open: A Quick Overview
The Australian Open has long been a showcase for tennis excellence, and 2025 has already proven to be no exception. With the top seeds battling through the intense conditions of Melbourne Park, fans have witnessed some incredible performances from established stars and promising newcomers alike. The tournament is renowned for its high-quality tennis, electrifying atmosphere, and its unpredictable nature, which makes it one of the most fun and unpredictable events to bet on.
This year, players like Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff have taken center stage, but there are also a number of exciting under-the-radar matchups featuring players who are looking to make their mark on the big stage. One such matchup is the clash between Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego and the USA’s Ben Shelton.
The Players: Lorenzo Sonego vs. Ben Shelton
Before diving into our betting tip, it’s important to understand the qualities that make these two players so intriguing.
Lorenzo Sonego – The Italian fighter
Lorenzo Sonego is a player that doesn’t always get the attention he deserves, but his solid all-around game and competitive mentality make him a tough opponent for anyone on tour. Standing at 6’3”, Sonego has a strong serve and a relentless baseline game that can break down opponents over the course of a match.
Sonego is also known for his gritty mindset. He isn’t intimidated by top-tier opponents, having consistently competed against the world’s best players in Grand Slam events. While not as flashy as some of the game’s more high-profile stars, Sonego’s consistency and ability to battle through difficult moments make him a dangerous player.
The Australian Open offers Sonego a great opportunity to show his mettle in front of a global audience. With his previous experience in Melbourne, including a strong run in 2021 when he reached the third round, he will be looking to go further in 2025. The surface suits his game, and his power from the baseline could trouble many players in the tournament.
Ben Shelton – The American phenom
Ben Shelton, on the other hand, has been one of the most exciting young talents on the ATP Tour in recent years. At just 21 years old, Shelton has quickly become a player to watch, and his aggressive style of play has already earned him several big victories. With a powerful serve, an explosive forehand, and a dynamic game that focuses on attacking play, Shelton has made a name for himself with his high-energy performances.
Shelton’s breakthrough year came in 2024 when he reached the semifinals at the US Open. The American has a fearless attitude on court, with an ability to go toe-to-toe with top players and stay competitive under pressure. His speed, athleticism, and confidence make him an exciting prospect for the future of American tennis, and many believe he has the potential to break into the ATP Top 10 in the coming years.
However, despite his explosive talent, Shelton still has room to grow in terms of consistency, especially in the biggest matches. While he can hit winners from anywhere on the court, he can also be prone to a few unforced errors, especially when facing opponents with a strong baseline game. That’s where a player like Sonego can make things interesting.
The Matchup: Sonego vs. Shelton
Now that we know a bit about each player, let’s take a closer look at how they match up against one another.
Sonego’s Strengths
Sonego’s consistency and ability to grind through rallies make him a tough challenge for someone like Shelton, who thrives on the fast pace of the game. While Shelton may be the more explosive player overall, Sonego’s baseline game could give Shelton a real test. The Italian is a master at dictating the tempo of a match and frustrating opponents with his ability to return tough serves and outlast them in long rallies.
Sonego’s serve is also a weapon that can keep him in the match. While it may not have the sheer power of Shelton’s serve, it’s reliable, and he can vary his deliveries to keep his opponents guessing. His solid net play and ability to execute timely drop shots will also help him neutralize Shelton’s big forehand, which often serves as the centerpiece of his attack.
Shelton’s Strengths
Shelton has a major advantage when it comes to power. His serve is one of the fastest on tour, and he can hit enormous forehands that allow him to dictate points early. Shelton thrives when he’s able to hit his first serve in and rush his opponents with aggressive shot-making. His athleticism also allows him to cover the court quickly, making him an extremely dangerous opponent when he’s playing at his best.
However, Shelton can struggle when facing players who are able to extend rallies and take him into deeper waters. He’s still developing the mental side of his game, and his sometimes erratic shot-making can result in unforced errors when he gets impatient. This is where Sonego can capitalize—by forcing Shelton into longer rallies and testing his patience.
Betting Tip: Back Sonego to Take a Set Off Shelton at 6/5
Given the strengths and weaknesses of each player, we believe that Lorenzo Sonego has a very good chance of taking at least one set off Ben Shelton in this upcoming Australian Open encounter.
While Shelton will likely have the advantage in terms of raw power and athleticism, Sonego’s ability to maintain consistency and force long rallies could trouble the American. If Sonego can find a way to neutralize Shelton’s big serves and aggressive forehands, he should be able to grind through at least one set and make it competitive.
The odds of 6/5 for Sonego to win a set are tempting, especially considering his solid form in the earlier rounds of the tournament. While Shelton may still win the match, Sonego’s experience and defensive skills should allow him to claim at least one set in what could be a tight contest.
Conclusion: Why Sonego is a Value Bet
In conclusion, while Ben Shelton is undoubtedly a rising star with the ability to dominate matches, Lorenzo Sonego’s consistency and ability to frustrate aggressive players make him a solid bet to take a set off the American. Given the odds of 6/5, this offers good value for those looking to back the Italian in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
With both players possessing strengths that could lead to a dynamic match, this is one to keep an eye on in the Australian Open. So, if you’re looking for an exciting betting opportunity in the coming days, consider backing Sonego to take at least one set off Shelton. The odds look favorable, and the Italian’s experience could prove pivotal in a matchup where his defensive skills may outlast Shelton’s attacking firepower.
