Ben Shelton vs Rinky Hijikata prediction from SBR's Gary Pearson for their Round 2 Wimbledon match on Thursday:
Pick to win: Ben Shelton 3-1 (+240 via FanDuel)
"Shelton advanced to the fourth round at last year's Wimbledon, and he should book his ticket in the third round after facing Hijikata, whom he dominated in straight sets (6-4, 6-0) in Mallorca last year in their only meeting at the senior ATP Tour level.
While the hard-hitting Wimbledon odds contender should get the better of Hijikata, who is just 5-14 this year and 0-2 on grass, I'm backing the Aussie 24-year-old to win a set.
Hijikata won his first round match over 34-year-old David Goffin in straight sets and beat Shelton on the Challenger Tour in Orlando three years ago.
In addition, Shelton has played seven matches at Wimbledon, five of which required at least four sets. His first-round victory over qualifier Alex Bolt was his only straight-sets victory at the All England Club, which required two tiebreakers."
Best prop bet: Ben Shelton Over 20.5 games (-120 via FanDuel)
"This bet is linked to my expert pick above as Shelton must drop a set to hit the Over unless his victory comes via three straight tiebreakers.
Hijikata is playing in his second Wimbledon after losing in the first round of last year's tournament. He did, however, win a set in that match.
Despite his 5-14 record this season, Hijikata usually keeps matches competitive, managing to win a set in his previous three defeats at the senior ATP Tour level. Shelton's return of serve is an area he must work on, which Hijikata should take advantage of, finding a way to win a consolation set."
Pick to win: Ben Shelton 3-1 (+240 via FanDuel)
"Shelton advanced to the fourth round at last year's Wimbledon, and he should book his ticket in the third round after facing Hijikata, whom he dominated in straight sets (6-4, 6-0) in Mallorca last year in their only meeting at the senior ATP Tour level.
While the hard-hitting Wimbledon odds contender should get the better of Hijikata, who is just 5-14 this year and 0-2 on grass, I'm backing the Aussie 24-year-old to win a set.
Hijikata won his first round match over 34-year-old David Goffin in straight sets and beat Shelton on the Challenger Tour in Orlando three years ago.
In addition, Shelton has played seven matches at Wimbledon, five of which required at least four sets. His first-round victory over qualifier Alex Bolt was his only straight-sets victory at the All England Club, which required two tiebreakers."
Best prop bet: Ben Shelton Over 20.5 games (-120 via FanDuel)
"This bet is linked to my expert pick above as Shelton must drop a set to hit the Over unless his victory comes via three straight tiebreakers.
Hijikata is playing in his second Wimbledon after losing in the first round of last year's tournament. He did, however, win a set in that match.
Despite his 5-14 record this season, Hijikata usually keeps matches competitive, managing to win a set in his previous three defeats at the senior ATP Tour level. Shelton's return of serve is an area he must work on, which Hijikata should take advantage of, finding a way to win a consolation set."