Monte-Carlo R1 previews and predictions: Shelton vs. Davidovich Fokina, Korda vs. Lehecka

Americans Ben Shelton and Sebastian Korda face immediate clay-court tests with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Jiri Lehecka, respectively, waiting in the first round at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

(11) Ben Shelton vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

Ben Shelton has not historically fared well on European clay. His clay-court record, which already sits at an anemic 10-11 lifetime, is still deceptive since four of the wins came in Houston last year. Yes, it’s a clay event–but not European, and mostly not contested against Europeans. When it comes to French Open tuneup events, the American has had difficulty winning more than a match at a time. He won a pair of matches in Paris last year but benefitted from Kei Nishikori retiring in the second set.

The good news for Shelton is that his first opponent in Monte-Carlo is also better on hard courts than clay. The bad news is that he’s still pretty good on the dirt. Despite the fact that he is Spanish, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina’s game isn’t built around clay–but he is a perfectly competent clay-courter all the same. The world No. 40 had a generally bad year in 2024, but he is playing well in 2025. He also won the only other match the two men have played.

Monte-Carlo boasts perhaps the most traditional clay courts on the entire European swing. And that means it’s going to neutralize Shelton’s biggest weapon–his serve. If ADF makes his way to the second round, it will technically be considered an upset but it won’t be a surprise.

Cheryl pick: Davidovich Fokina in 3

Ricky pick: Davidovich Fokina in 3

Sebastian Korda vs. Jiri Lehecka

Sebastian Korda is one of the few American players whose game (and movement) genuinely translates well to clay. He hasn’t been at his best in 2025, but he made the quarterfinals in Miami a few weeks ago and he is comfortable on European clay. With his form on an upswing, Korda is a dangerous first-round opponent.

In contrast, Korda’s opponent is Jiri Lehecka of Czechia. The world No. 29 had a promising start to the season with a title in Brisbane and a run to the round of 16 at the Australian Open, but he has been struggling since February and comes into Monte-Carlo with no wins in either Indian Wells or Miami. He won his only other match with Korda last year in Adelaide.

Look for an in-form Korda to advance, although he may drop the middle set as he shakes off the rust for his first match on the dirt.

Cheryl pick: Korda in 3

Ricky pick: Korda in 3