Watch Ben Shelton vs Jan-Lennard Struff — ATP Stuttgart Round 1 Free.

What's at Stake

The grass court season kicks off in earnest at the BOSS Open, where both players are looking to establish early momentum ahead of Wimbledon. For Ben Shelton, this match represents a chance to prove his explosive game translates to the turf, while Jan-Lennard Struff aims to please the home crowd and defend ranking points on his preferred lightning-fast surface.

Head-to-Head

The series between these two big hitters is relatively fresh, with both players having traded wins in their most recent encounters on the ATP Tour. While Shelton holds the edge in terms of youthful athleticism and raw power, Struff has historically performed well in German conditions and possesses the veteran experience required to navigate the nuances of grass court tiebreaks.

Key Players to Watch

• Ben Shelton — The American's massive left-handed serve and aggressive net approaches make him a natural threat on the slick grass courts.
• Jan-Lennard Struff — A local favorite known for his heavy groundstrokes and serve-and-volley tactics that thrive in the Stuttgart conditions.
• The Surface — The pristine grass at the Weissenhof complex will play a crucial role, rewarding the player who can maintain the highest first-serve percentage.

Prediction

Expect a tightly contested match dominated by short rallies and very few breaks of serve. Given his comfort playing in front of a home audience and his extensive experience on grass, Jan-Lennard Struff is likely to edge out a victory in two competitive sets, possibly involving at least one tiebreak.