Gabriel Diallo vs Ben Shelton Prediction & Picks - Dallas Open

Prediction published on 2/10/26, 1:51 PM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 2/16/26 at 8:22 AM in Dallas Open Picks

A little over two weeks after his quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open, Ben Shelton is back in action this week at home in the ATP tournament in Dallas. The world No. 9 is beginning his preparations for the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000 tournaments, which will take place next month. After a season finale marred by shoulder pain, the American has shown early this season that he is back to 100% after spending the winter break recovering. Ben Shelton will undoubtedly be one of the favorites in Texas, a tournament he has never won before. Seeded number 2, Ben Shelton, will start his week with one of the toughest draws possible, facing Gabriel Diallo as his first opponent.

Ranked 38th in the world, Gabriel Diallo has not performed well so far this year. A second-round elimination in Hong Kong and early exits in Adelaide and at the Australian Open are a poor showing for the Canadian, who has been struggling for several weeks now. Looking to bounce back, Gabriel Diallo is hoping for a breakthrough in 2026, which he hopes will come at this tournament in Texas. But with Ben Shelton as his opponent in the first round, the Canadian has not been spoiled and will have to put in an XXL performance to trouble the American in front of his home crowd.