Indian Wells Masters: Fritz vs Shelton Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Indian Wells Masters as Taylor Fritz takes on Ben Shelton in the second round on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Will Taylor Fritz get the win? Will Ben Shelton pull off the upset? This will be an interesting one, where we have the defending champion taking on the talented youngster in one of the most exciting second-round matchups. Who will triumph and move through to the Round of 32 at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters?

Taylor Fritz vs. Ben Shelton Match Preview

Taylor Fritz takes the court as the defending champion against Ben Shelton in what promises to be one of the matches to watch, it’s a really tough draw for Fritz in general but Shelton in the first round is absolutely brutal. Still, I feel Fritz’s serving and his ability to stay consistent in the longer rallies will really help him against a player like Shelton as he looks to kick off his title defense with a win to take him into the Round of 32 at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters.

Ben Shelton took down Fabio Fognini in the first round to set up an electrifying meeting with Taylor Fritz. Shelton has made some incredible results so far in his short career, and he’ll look to pull off a big upset here. In order to do so, he’ll need to serve big and really take an aggressive approach. His return game isn’t the strongest out there and I don’t feel like he’ll have the consistency just yet to keep up with a guy like Fritz here at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters.

Taylor Fritz vs. Ben Shelton Prediction and Pick

Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have never met before, with this being their first career meeting. It’s a really intriguing matchup, and while I do think Shelton can and will hurt Fritz with his malicious slice and powerful serve. However, Fritz has been so consistent at Indian Wells and I can’t see him going out here as he looks to get off to a good start here en route to a potential title defense at the 2023 Indian Wells Masters.