‘Interesting’… Andy Roddick predicts how Ben Shelton will perform at Indian Wells this week

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With Indian Wells just around the corner, it should come as no surprise to see Andy Roddick quick to preview the tournament.

Having only ever reached the final of the Californian competition once, losing in 2010, the USA former tennis star came so close only to fall at the final hurdle in this prestigious event.

However, with a US Open title to his name during an era of unprecedented dominance from his legendary rivals, he is certainly in a fine position to offer his verdict on the potential upcoming stars.

One such name was Ben Shelton, who he is expecting big things from…

What Andy Roddick said about Ben Shelton

Chatting with writer Jon Wertheim on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, the 41-year-old was effusive in his praise for his compatriot, and expects big things ahead of this week’s tournament.

Having enjoyed an outstanding 18 months, in which he has risen to 16th in the world, Shelton too will be hoping to prove Roddick correct

With a thunderous serve and an electric left-handed forehand, the surface at Indian Wells is another factor that should benefit the 21-year-old.

Roddick claims: ‘Ben Shelton will be interesting on this surface. His serve and the way that it bounces around is going to be very tough. He likes to top out on that forehand right, he gets that action.

‘If he is confident and can kind of get his feet this could be a very good surface for Ben Shelton so I’m interested to see how he takes it.’

An exciting men’s Indian Wells draw

Despite the bulk of the outstanding players receiving a bye, we have still been treated to some mouth-watering first-round draws for Indian Wells.

Then, once those are complete, we have some other potential clashes to look forward to as well, with the quality only set to increase as we go deeper into the competition.

Arthur Fils and Nuno Borges is the outstanding first-round matchup, as two young superstars seek to stamp their claim on the ATP 1000 tournament, whilst Andy Murray awaits to hear which qualifier he will face.

However, should the Scotsman overcome him, Andrey Rublev awaits him in the next round.

Alexander Zverev and Jack Draper could make for an interesting round of 64 clash, whilst Carlos Alcaraz is due a tough run if he is to retain his crown, with one of Luca Van Assche or Matteo Arnaldi in his first match, and then likely Felix Auger-Aliassime in the next.