Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud are set to face off in a thrilling 1/8-finals matchup at the Australian Open on January 26, 2026, at 10:30 CEST. This contest promises to be an exciting clash, with Shelton currently holding a head-to-head record of 1-2 against the Norwegian.
Shelton has been on a positive trajectory lately, winning four of his last five matches. His recent performances at the Australian Open have been impressive; he started the tournament by defeating Humbert in straight sets, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure by winning multiple tiebreaks. Following that, he overwhelmed Sweeny in another straight-set victory, serving beautifully with 19 aces and not facing any breakpoints. In the third round, he continued his strong form by defeating Vacherot in straight sets, where he again maintained solid serving statistics, offering and conceding only one breakpoint. Notably, Shelton reached the semifinals of the Australian Open last season but lost to Jannik Sinner.
Conversely, Casper Ruud has also shown commendable skill, winning three of his last five matches. His journey in Melbourne has been marked by a series of straight-set victories, including a dominant performance against Bellucci. Ruud showcased his resilience in a tougher third-round match against Marin Cilic, triumphing in four close sets after more than three hours of play. Despite his strong performances, Ruud has struggled to advance past the 1/8-finals in previous Australian Open tournaments, having previously been ousted in the second round last season.
As the tournament progresses, bookmakers favor Shelton in this matchup due to his consistency and dominance throughout the Australian Open. Analysts expect Shelton to excel, particularly in his serving game, and predict he will control the match against Ruud, who tends to face challenges on faster courts.
Betting enthusiasts are eyeing Shelton for value, with odds of 1.57 on a victory at Bet365. Additionally, expectations are set for a solid first set from Shelton, with predictions leaning towards a 6-3 or 6-4 win should he break Ruud’s serve early. A value bet is also suggested for either player to secure the first set 6-3 or 6-4, with favorable odds available at FanDuel.
Ultimately, given Shelton’s outstanding serving performance so far, there is a consensus that he may serve fewer than 20 aces in this potentially one-sided match. Overall, this encounter between Shelton and Ruud holds the promise of a thrilling contest, showcasing the strengths of both players as they vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.