Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov prediction and odds: Italian Open 2024

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We’ve reached the point of the Italian Open where the seeds will now open their campaigns. On that note, Ben Shelton is set to take on Pavel Kotov in round two, and I’ve got a few tennis predictions today for the upcoming encounter. I’ve got all of the necessary details for you below.

Our favourite Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov predictions

Contents

1 Our favourite Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov predictions
2 Kotov set to cause a few problems for Shelton at the 2024 Italian Open
3 Key match details

Shelton is the higher-ranked player here at 14 in the world, and he certainly has the ability to do damage in Rome. But Kotov will be no pushover, as confirmed by his 6-1 6-1 dismantling of Shelton’s countryman in round one. So, what does all of this mean for my predictions for this match?

Let me give you the scoop right now.

Kotov to win a set – yes @ 4/6 (1.67)

I know that things aren’t looking fantastic for Kotov on paper. But he played a fantastic round one match, and he’s facing a guy who isn’t exactly a clay court specialist here. Therefore, if he comes out of the blocks quickly, I think there is plenty of value in backing him to grab a set.

Three total sets @ 11/8 (2.38)

I’ve stressed above that I feel Kotov can take a set. But if he does, I cannot see Ben Shelton going down in this one. Sure, Kotov could push Shelton close based on his recent performance. However, Shelton is a bit too experienced at this level, and I believe he’d fight back to take the match to a decider.

Ben Shelton vs Pavel Kotov odds

The odds confirm that Shelton has a 67.70% probability of coming through this match. As for Kotov, his chance of victory is just 38.50%.

Kotov set to cause a few problems for Shelton at the 2024 Italian Open

You’ve now got my predictions lined up for this game. So, let me shift gears and cover each guy in greater detail now.

Ben Shelton preview

Shelton has been a bit up and down during the 2024 clay court swing. The young American produced some decent results in Houston. But since then, he’s been somewhat absent from the clay court swing for one reason or another. This alone suggests he won’t be massively confident coming into the Italian Open, which I’ve factored into my predictions.

Pavel Kotov preview

Pavel Kotov, while not a huge name, has been grinding away in several clay court tournaments in recent weeks. He has scored some decent wins over the likes of Fognini, Ramos-Vinolas, and Thompson, as well as Michelsen at the Italian Open. So he’s clearly a guy who can play well on the clay, and he will pose a threat to Shelton in this one.

Shelton vs Kotov head to head

There are no previous matches between these guys that we can discuss prior to the Italian Open clash. Of course, this means the head-to-head is currently 0-0.