Ben Shelton and Reilly Opelka to clash in Indian Wells 2nd round

The two Americans will meet for the 3rd time, with Shelton leading the head-to-head 2-0

Mar. 6, 2026 at 8:12am

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Ben Shelton and Reilly Opelka are set to face off in the 2nd round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Friday. This will be the 3rd career meeting between the two Americans, with Shelton leading the head-to-head 2-0 on hard courts. Shelton, ranked No. 8, is the favorite to win the match according to the odds, having won their last encounter in 2024. Both players are coming off first-round wins, with Shelton capturing the title in Dallas last month.

Why it matters

This matchup features two rising American talents looking to make a deep run at one of the biggest ATP tournaments outside the Grand Slams. Shelton, the higher-ranked player, will be aiming to continue his strong start to the season and solidify his place among the ATP's elite, while Opelka will be hoping to pull off the upset and build momentum after his first-round win.

The details

Shelton, the No. 8 player in the world, defeated Taylor Fritz in the final of the Dallas Open last month to claim his first title of the season. He has an impressive 10-2 record so far in 2026, including a 5-2 mark on hard courts. Opelka, ranked No. 68, got past Ethan Quinn in straight sets in the opening round, firing 17 aces and winning 85% of his first-serve points.

  • Ben Shelton and Reilly Opelka are scheduled to play their 2nd round match on Friday, March 6th at 1:00 pm on STADIUM 2.

The players

Ben Shelton

An American tennis player ranked No. 8 in the world, Shelton has won 10 of his 12 matches so far in 2026, including a title at the Dallas Open.

Reilly Opelka

An American tennis player ranked No. 68 in the world, Opelka defeated Ethan Quinn in the opening round of the BNP Paribas Open.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The winner of the Shelton-Opelka match will advance to the 3rd round of the BNP Paribas Open.

The takeaway

This matchup between two rising American stars will be an intriguing clash of styles, with the higher-ranked and in-form Shelton looking to continue his strong start to the season against the big-serving Opelka, who will be aiming to pull off the upset and build momentum at one of the sport's biggest events.