ATP Australian Open Shelton vs Ruud Best Bets

ATP Australian Open 1/8-Finals

Shelton – Ruud: 26.01.2026 10:30 CEST
H2H: 1-2

Ben Shelton has won four of his last five matches. Two weeks ago in Auckland, Shelton lost to Baez in the quarterfinals in straight sets. This week in Melbourne, Shelton defeated Humbert in the opening round in straight sets. He was a better player under pressure, winning consecutive tiebreaks. In the second round, Shelton demolished Sweeny in straight sets. He served well, hitting 19 aces and not offering any breakpoints. In the third round, Shelton defeated Vacherot in straight sets. He served well, offering and saving only one breakpoint. Last season at the Australian Open, Shelton lost to Sinner in the semifinals in straight sets.

Casper Ruud has won three of his last five matches. This week at the Australian Open, the Norwegian demolished Bellucci in straight sets. He offered and saved only one breakpoint. In the second round, Ruud defeated Munar in straight sets. He offered and saved two breakpoints. His toughest challenge happened in the third round against Cilic. Ruud won in four tight sets after playing for over three hours. His serve was broken in the fourth set at 3-3; however, the Norwegian stayed calm and turned the match around. Ruud has never made it past the 1/8-Finals at the Australian Open. Last season in Melbourne, Ruud lost to Mensik in the second round in four sets.

Best Bets to Make

Main Bet

According to the bookies, Shelton is the favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He has dominated this week in Melbourne, winning all three matches in straight sets. On the other hand, Ruud struggles on fast courts. We expect Shelton to dominate on serve and win this matchup.

That being said, Shelton winning is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Ben Shelton winning @1.57 @bet365

Second Bet

We expect a solid opening set from Shelton. If he breaks Ruud´s serve once in the opening set, we expect a clear 6-3 or 6-4 first-set win.

That being said, either player to win the opening set 6-3 or 6-4 is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: either player to win the first set 6-3 or 6-4 @-160 @FanDuel

Third Bet

Ben Shelton served well this week in Melbourne. However, he has not gone over the 19.5 aces line. We expect a one-sided match that should not last long and for Shelton to serve fewer than 20 aces.

That being said, Shelton serving under 20 aces is a value bet.

Value bet/ the best odds: Ben Shelton under 19.5 aces @-110 @FanDuel