Ben Shelton is among the high-profile names set to take on The Garden Cup this week, with Madison Square Garden playing host.
Shelton has been tipped to shine in 2025, with the American having ended the 2024 season ranked 21st in the world.
He finished with a 42-26 win-loss record, with Shelton winning his only tour-level title on the clay courts of Houston in April.
The American overcame compatriot and defending champion Frances Tiafoe in the final of the ATP 250 event, securing the second ATP Tour title of his career with the triumph.
Shelton will, however, be eager to improve upon his latest season on tour, but first his focus lies on The Garden Cup.
Ben Shelton says why his favourite opponent is Carlos Alcaraz
He will take on Carlos Alcaraz in New York, with the American now sharing that the Spaniard is his favourite opponent in tennis.
Speaking ahead of the event, Shelton said Alcaraz is his “favourite player to share the court with because of how creative he is and the style he plays,” with the 22-year-old adding of the 21-year-old: “Every time we play, you hear the crowd go crazy on both sides. It’s one of the games I enjoy the most.”
What is the head-to-head record between Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton?
Alcaraz is among Shelton’s toughest opponents, although the pair have only met each other twice in ATP Tour events.
And it is the Spaniard who has come out on top on both occasions, beating the American at the 2023 ATP Masters 1,000 Canada and the 2024 Laver Cup.
| Year | Winner | Event | Round | Surface | Score |
| 2024 | Carlos Alcaraz | Laver Cup | Round Robin | Indoor Hard | 64 64 |
| 2023 | Carlos Alcaraz | ATP Masters 1,000 Canada | Round of 32 | Outdoor Hard | 63 76(3) |
While their upcoming clash is not affiliated with the ATP Tour, Shelton will be doing his utmost to come out on top, particularly in front of his home fans.
Another intriguing clash takes place in the form of Emma Navarro versus Jessica Pegula, with both having really impressed on the 2024 WTA Tour.
And despite a very busy season, Alcaraz will play The Charlotte Invitational later this week, where he will meet another American in Frances Tiafoe.
