Predictor’s Picks: Why a Ben Shelton surge in Atlanta could boost your team | ATP Tour

PIF ATP Ranking Predictor

Predictors’ Picks: Why a Shelton push in Atlanta could boost your team

Make your choices for Atlanta, Kitzbühel and Umag

July 21, 2024

Who will be able to add the most net points to the PIF ATP rankings in Atlanta, Kitzbühel and Umag?

The three ATP 250 events — the Atlanta Open, the Generali Open and the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag — provide plenty of opportunities for the ATP Tour stars in action this week.

Ahead of each tournament week, ATPTour.com looks at three players who could be good picks for fans in the PIF ATP Rankings Predictor.

Make your choices now!

Ben Shelton — substitute 0 points
The rising left-handed American is the top seed in Atlanta and will be keen to leave his mark on the event in its final edition. Ben’s father, Bryan Shelton, was the longtime head coach of the Georgia Tech women’s tennis team. Georgia Tech is the outdoor training facility for the Atlanta Open, making it a true home event for Shelton.

Shang Juncheng beat Shelton in Atlanta a year ago and the American will replace Shelton with zero points this week. After a sluggish start to the grass-court season, the 21-year-old bounced back by reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon, where only Jannik Sinner could stop him. He will open his campaign in Atlanta against wild card Andres Martin or a qualifier.

Andrey Rublev — substitute 45 points
Even though Rublev has lost four matches in a row, Umag can serve as a springboard for a return to form. The 26-year-old has fond memories of Umag, where he won his first ATP title in 2017.

The world number one will face either Camilo Ugo Carabelli or wild card Luka Mikrut in his first match as he attempts to regain his momentum. The last time Rublev lost four straight matches earlier this year, he turned things around to win the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid.

Alejandro Tabilo — replacement 25 points
Chilean Tabilo has been one of the revelations of the 2024 season. Now ranked in the Top 20, the 27-year-old is flying higher than ever.

Tabilo sat out last week’s competition, so he’ll be well rested for his return to clay. Winner of titles this year on both hard and grass, the Chilean will be looking to add to his 2024 haul with a trophy in Kitzbühel, where he’s seeded No. 2. Tabilo will face Gstaad champion Matteo Berrettini in the second round if the Italian knocks out Pavel Kotov, so the left-hander will need to be sharp from the start of the tournament.

Bonus Ball — Ben Shelton
Shelton is a logical choice for the Bonus Ball because of his enormous potential. If you pick him and he triumphs, your team will earn 500 points (double 250) for that pick.

Atlanta has long been a haven for big-servers. John Isner has won the championship six times, and other champions include Andy Roddick and Nick Kyrgios. Will Shelton add his name to the list?