Expert prediction
US Open: Ben Shelton vs. Denis Shapovalov Picks & Third Round Best Bets
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- When: Friday, September 4, 2026. 12:00 PM ET
- Where: Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, USA
- How to Watch: ABC, ESPN
The third-round action at the US Open gets underway on September 4, 2026. The tennis betting sites make Ben Shelton among the leading contenders to win the Grand Slam this year, but he could face his biggest challenge to date when he clashes with Canadian star Denis Shapovalov on Friday. You can find the latest odds and our Ben Shelton vs. Denis Shapovalov picks here.
Ben Shelton vs. Denis Shapovalov US Open Preview
The first week of the US Open continues on Friday, as the third round action gets underway. Ben Shelton will be heavily favored with the leading sportsbooks to secure a spot in the next round, but Denis Shapovalov could be an interesting outsider to upset the odds in the Big Apple. Find out more about both players and our best picks for the matchup here.
Ben Sheltob Stats, Form & US Open History
Ben Shelton is still chasing his first Grand Slam title, but he could be an outstanding chance in New York this year. The American reached the semi-final of the major back in 2023, and he has also shown his efficiency on hard courts after reaching the final four at the Australian Open in 2025.
Shelton has made a reliable start to his US Open campaign in 2026, winning back-to-back matches in four sets. His spot in the third round was secured on Wednesday, beating big-serving Hubert Hurkacz in four sets. Shelton won 73% of the points on his first serve and 71% of the points on his second serve. He also hit an impressive 46 receiving points.
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Denis Shapovalov Stats, Form & US Open History
Canadian player Denis Shapovalov previously reached the quarterfinals of the US Open back in 2020, but he has consistently struggled in Grand Slams since 2023. Since then, he has failed to progress further than the fourth round in 13 of his last 14 majors. Shapovalov failed to improve his form at the Cincinnati Masters last month, as he crashed out in the round of 64.
However, positives can be taken from his back-to-back wins at the US Open. He was efficient in the previous round against Luca Van Assche, winning in straight sets and winning 74% of the points on first serve. However, the Canadian will need to limit errors against a higher seeded rival on Friday after he registered nine double faults on Wednesday.
Ben Shelton vs. Denis Shapovalov US Open Picks
Ben Shelton is incredibly hard to oppose this week. The American has a perfect 4-0 record against Shapovalov, which includes a straight sets win in Dallas earlier this year. Another dominant display could be delivered in New York on Friday.
US Open Day 6 Best Picks
| Match | Pick |
|---|---|
| Jiri Lehecka vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas | Jiri Lehecka |
| Alexander Bublik vs. Tommy Paul | Alexander Bublik |
| Valentin Vacherot vs. Frances Tiafoe | Frances Tiafoe |
| Jessica Pegula vs. Leylah Fernandez | Jessica Pegula |
| Jasmine Paolini vs. Sorana Cirstea | Sorana Cirstea |
| Emma Navarro vs. Karolina Muchova | Karolina Muchova |
| Marta Kostyuk vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova | Ekaterina Alexandrova |
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