Ben Shelton vs Sebastian Baez

American Ben Shelton begins his 2024 campaign on Thursday at the ATP Auckland Open, facing Argentina's Sebastian Baez in the first round. Shelton, a rising star who reached the US Open semifinals last year, is the clear favorite with average moneyline odds of 1.23. Baez, a consistent clay-court performer, enters as the underdog at 4.02, presenting a classic test of power versus consistency on the hard courts.

This match marks the first career meeting between the two players. Shelton's explosive serve and forehand will be central to his game plan, while Baez will rely on his solid baseline defense and ability to extend rallies. The odds reflect Shelton's higher ceiling on this surface, but Baez is a capable opponent who can capitalize if the American's game is rusty in his season debut. The outcome will likely hinge on Shelton's first-serve percentage and his success in finishing points at the net.