Ben Shelton Cruises Into Australian Open Third Round
MELBOURNE, January 23, 2026 – American Ben Shelton has made a commanding start to his 2026 Australian Open campaign, securing straight-sets victories in the first two rounds to advance to the last 32. The No. 8 seed and world No. 7 showcased the powerful serve and aggressive tennis that propelled him to the semifinals here last year.
Dominant Start in Melbourne
Shelton, 23, began his tournament with a tough first-round test against France’s Ugo Humbert on January 20. In a battle of left-handers on Rod Laver Arena, Shelton relied on his experience and tiebreak prowess to win 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(5) in two hours and 37 minutes. He fired 15 aces and won 78% of points behind his first serve.
“I thought that I just played two great tiebreakers. I’ve played a lot of tiebreakers here, a lot of experience, and I think that helped me a lot today,” Shelton said after the match. He acknowledged the difficulty of the draw, calling Humbert “probably the toughest non-seeded player.”
Routine Second-Round Victory
The American’s momentum continued in the second round on January 22 against Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny, ranked No. 182. Shelton delivered a masterclass, dismantling Sweeny 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in just one hour and 42 minutes. He dominated with 19 aces, 38 total winners, and only 17 unforced errors.
The victory improved Shelton’s career record at the Australian Open to an impressive 12-3.
Key Player Facts & Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current ATP Ranking | No. 7 (Career High: No. 5) |
| Age & Physicals | 23 years old, 6 ft 4 in (193 cm), 194 lbs (88 kg) |
| 2026 Australian Open Result | Advanced to Third Round (To play Valentin Vacherot) |
| Best Australian Open Result | Semifinalist (2025) |
| Career Prize Money | $11.22 Million |
Next Challenge: Valentin Vacherot
Shelton’s next opponent in the third round is No. 30 seed Valentin Vacherot. It will be the first career meeting between the two players. A win would move Shelton one step closer to matching or surpassing his semifinal run from 2025, where he lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ben Shelton’s playing style?
Shelton is an aggressive, power-based player known for a massive left-handed serve—often exceeding 140 mph—and a potent forehand. His athleticism and energetic court presence are hallmarks of his game.
Did Ben Shelton play college tennis?
Yes. Shelton played for the University of Florida, winning the NCAA singles championship in 2022 before turning professional. He often credits his college tennis experience for building mental toughness and character.
What was Shelton’s result at the 2025 Australian Open?
Shelton enjoyed a breakthrough run to the semifinals in 2025, defeating several top players before falling to Jannik Sinner.