Shelton vs Hurkacz Prediction 2 September 2026
🔊 Ben Shelton defended his title at the Canadian Masters in Montreal in the build-up to the US Open, and is generally having one of the best seasons of his career, with four titles across all surfaces. He also reached the semi-finals at this home Major in 2023, though this year he is defending ranking points from a third-round run last year. His upcoming opponent Hubert Hurkacz, meanwhile, has never gone that far at this tournament - his record in the second round at the New York Grand Slam stands at 0-6. Whether the Pole can break that run makes this an interesting watch.
Head-to-Head
📊 Shelton and Hurkacz have never met at professional level.
Ben Shelton Player Overview
Ben Shelton arrives in good form - seven wins from his last ten matches, including a Masters 1000 title in Montreal and a quarter-final at the 500 in Washington during this summer's North American hard-court swing. In the first round of the US Open he came through comfortably against Tallon Griekspoor, though he dropped the opening set surprisingly quickly - in under 40 minutes - before winning 1-6, 6-1, 7-6, 6-2.
Shelton holds serve in 77% of service games, yet his overall games-won percentage is no higher than 54. That gap reflects his tendency to go for big shots from the first ball, with a serve that can reach 240 km/h. His left-handedness is also an asset - not only on serve, but in rallies, where he can target the backhand of right-handed opponents.
Match Results: Ben Shelton
Hubert Hurkacz Player Overview
Hubert Hurkacz has also been in good form - six wins from his last ten matches, and a current five-match winning streak built on a Challenger title in Cancún right before the US Open. Like his upcoming opponent, the Pole dropped a set in the first round of this Major, losing the second to Damir Džumhur before closing out comfortably against the Bosnian (6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1).
Hurkacz averages around 17-18 games per match in best-of-five, and his hold percentage sits at around 80, which is right at the ATP Tour threshold. His serve combines power with a low toss and minimal tell, making it very difficult for opponents to read the direction. Shelton, for his part, will find it extremely hard to get through Hurkacz's backhand. That said, Hurkacz can be troubled on his forehand side, which tends to make him relatively passive in counter-attacking situations.
Match Results: Hubert Hurkacz
Key factors
- Shelton has averaged 16.5 games won per match over his last ten best-of-five matches.
- Both players dropped a set in the first round of the US Open.
- Both players have powerful and effective serves.
- The American's left-handed game may come up against the Pole's highly reliable backhand.
Expected scenario
Ben Shelton will look to impose himself from the start with his explosive energy, left-handed kick serves and aggressive net approaches, mixing in flat forehand winners. However, Hubert Hurkacz, through composure, precise serving and a solid two-handed backhand, may be able to absorb that early pressure and draw Shelton into baseline exchanges, where the American could start accumulating unforced errors. In an ideal scenario, the match may feature breaks traded in both directions and potential tie-breaks, which would mean both players spending considerable time on court.
⭐ Editor's Pick
This match looks set to be a classic serve-dominated contest, with plenty of holds, likely tie-breaks, and very little baseline play - where one or two key points could decide each set. The most probable scenario is a grinding, mentally draining match in which Shelton wins points on momentum and raw power, while Hurkacz methodically applies pressure in the moments when the young home player's first-serve percentage drops. It seems hard for either player to avoid a lengthy encounter, with Total Games - Over 38.5.
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Betting Tips: Ben Shelton - Hubert Hurkacz
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