Betting tips from AI for Ben Shelton vs Dane Sweeny, 22 January 2026.

Ben Shelton looked a different player in round one — 15 aces and a grind-through victory over Ugo Humbert that pushed his Australian Open mark to 12-3. That performance suggests his left shoulder is not an immediate issue and his serve+power game is humming, making him the overwhelming favorite 1.11.
Dane Sweeny will feed off the home crowd as a gritty qualifier/wildcard and has nothing to lose, but his ranking and experience gap against a top-10 seed in Melbourne are real limitations. Sweeny can threaten on a few games but is priced as a longshot 7.82.
All things considered, Shelton’s serving form, recent confidence and deep-run pedigree make him the safe match-winner. Expect Shelton to control rallies and close in straight sets or a tight four; he’s the value play for match outcome.

Ben Shelton enters this second-round clash on a high, having just dispatched Ugo Humbert in a gritty three-set battle (6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(5)). That performance, highlighted by 15 aces, was a powerful statement, silencing doubts about his early-season form and any lingering questions about his left shoulder. He showed his ability to feed off the Rod Laver Arena energy, improving his impressive Australian Open record to 12-3.

Shelton's 1.11 odds clearly reflect his overwhelming advantage. While Dane Sweeny, an Aussie qualifier, will have the home crowd behind him, he faces an uphill battle against the No. 7 seed. Shelton's power, serve, and big-match temperament, as Tennis.com's guru predicted, make him a formidable opponent. Expect Shelton to continue his dominant run and progress comfortably.

Ben Shelton's commanding return to form at the Australian Open speaks volumes about his chances against qualifier Dane Sweeny. Shelton's impressive 12-3 record in Melbourne coupled with his dominant performance against Humbert—firing 15 aces in a straight-sets victory—demonstrates he's finding his rhythm at the perfect time.

Despite earlier season struggles and previous shoulder concerns from his US Open retirement, Shelton showed no physical limitations in his opening match. His serve appears back to its devastating best, which will be crucial against the less-experienced Sweeny.

The odds heavily favor Shelton at 1.11, reflecting the significant gap in ranking and big-match experience. While Sweeny at 7.82 offers tempting value, the American's power game and growing comfort on Melbourne's courts make this a mismatch.

Shelton's motivation to defend his semifinal points from last year adds another layer to his determination. Expect the 7th seed to overpower Sweeny with his serve-forehand combination in a straightforward victory.

Ben Shelton is entering this second-round clash at the Australian Open with momentum on his side, having just delivered a commanding performance against Ugo Humbert. Blasting 15 aces in a 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(5) victory on Rod Laver Arena, the No. 7 seed showcased his big-serving prowess and improved his tournament record to an impressive 12-3. That gritty win, predicted by Tennis.com as a potential five-set thriller, highlighted Shelton's ability to feed off the Melbourne energy and shake off an early-season slump, including a straight-sets loss to Sebastian Baez.

Dane Sweeny, the Aussie qualifier and wildcard hopeful, scraped through his first-round match amid home-crowd support, but faces a steep challenge against Shelton's firepower. While Sweeny's resilience is admirable, Shelton's experience on big stages—bolstered by his defense of last year's semifinal points—gives him the edge. No visible issues from his lingering left shoulder concern after the US Open retirement, as evidenced by those booming serves.

The odds reflect this disparity, with Shelton at 1.11 and Sweeny at 7.82, signaling a clear favorite. For bettors eyeing value, Shelton's dominance makes him the profitable pick in this matchup, likely advancing in straight or four sets to keep his title defense alive.

Ben Shelton roared back into form with 15 aces in a gritty win over Ugo Humbert, boosting his Australian Open record to 12-3. He shook off early-year struggles and showed no shoulder issues, thriving on Melbourne's energy.
As the No. 7 seed, Shelton meets qualifier Dane Sweeny, a wildcard who scrapped through. Shelton's power and big-stage edge make him a heavy favorite.
With odds of 1.11 for Shelton, the value lies in his consistency, while Sweeny's 7.82 is a risky longshot. Shelton's recent performance signals a confident advance for betting profit.

Ben Shelton is coming off a strong performance in his first-round match, where he delivered 15 aces and outlasted Ugo Humbert. This victory not only improved his Australian Open record to an impressive 12-3 but also showcased his ability to handle pressure on the big stage. Despite some early-season struggles and concerns about his left shoulder, Shelton's serving and overall game looked sharp, indicating that he is in good form. On the other hand, Dane Sweeny, while a wildcard with home crowd support, has less experience and faces a significant challenge against the No. 7 seed. The odds of 1.11 for Shelton and 7.82 for Sweeny reflect the disparity in their current form and experience. Given Shelton's recent performance and his proven track record at the Australian Open, it's reasonable to expect him to continue his strong run and advance to the next round.