Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton seem to be poised to be among the very top players in the years to come. They will curiously clash in the first round in Vienna in what can be considered the blockbuster match of the day. In a recent interview, the Italian sensation explained why he is happy to face the upcoming American player.

Jannik commented: “He has shown that he’s 1 of the best Next Gen players. I feel like he’s improved a lot throughout the whole year. I’m very happy to play him again. he knows me now a bit better and I also know him a bit better.”

Jannik Sinner in 2023

Ranked world no.4 (career-high), the Italian played his last match on the 10^th of October when he capitulated to world no.15 Ben Shelton 2-6 6-3 7-6(5) in the 4^th round in Shanghai (draw).

Currently, during this season the Italian has a 51-14 match record. Sinner conquered 3 titles in 2023 in Montpellier, Toronto and Beijing. Sinner was the runner-up in Rotterdam and Miami.

Sinner will compete next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 30th of October.

Ben Shelton in 2023

Currently ranked no.15 (career-high), the American played his last match on the 22^nd

of October when he beat world no.37 Aslan Karatsev 7-5 6-1 in the final in Tokyo to win his 1^st career title.

Until now, during this year Shelton achieved a compiled 28-24 record. This year, Shelton won 1 title in Tokyo.

Shelton has scheduled to play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 30th of October.

Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton played each other just on 1 occasion. Their current head to head is 1-0 for Shelton. When they played, Ben Shelton won 2-6 6-3 7-6(5) in the 4^th round in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) on the 10^th of October 2023.

In the video below you can watch the highlights.

Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton

Embed from Getty Images