Ben Shelton Eyes Australian Open After Auckland Tune-Up Exit
NEW YORK, January 19, 2026 – World No. 7 Ben Shelton has turned his attention to the first Grand Slam of the year after concluding his preparatory campaign at the ASB Classic in Auckland. The top-seeded American was eliminated in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for a challenging opening match at the Australian Open against France’s Ugo Humbert.
Season Opener in Auckland
Shelton began his 2026 season at the ATP 250 event in Auckland, a tournament he has used as a launchpad for the Australian Open for the past four years. After a first-round bye, he secured his first win of the year, defeating Argentina’s Francisco Comesana 7-5, 6-4 in the second round. “I feel great, knocked off a little bit of rust,” Shelton said after the match.
His run ended in the quarterfinals against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez. The match, disrupted by rain and played over two days, concluded with a 7-5, 6-3 victory for Baez on January 16. The loss marked Shelton’s final match before heading to Melbourne.
Australian Open Draw Presents Early Test
The draw for the 2026 Australian Open, released on January 15, placed Shelton in a competitive section. The 23-year-old will face a formidable first-round opponent in World No. 33 Ugo Humbert of France. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20. A victory would likely see Shelton meet veteran Gael Monfils in the second round.
Shelton’s best result at Melbourne Park came in 2025, where he reached the final. He enters this year’s tournament as the seventh seed and the top-ranked American man on tour.
Shelton’s Player Profile & Key Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current ATP Ranking | No. 7 (as of Jan 15, 2026) |
| Age & Physicals | 23 years old, 6’4″ (193 cm), 194 lbs (88 kg) |
| Plays | Left-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| Coach | Bryan Shelton (father) & Dean Goldfine |
| Career-High Ranking | No. 5 (achieved in 2025) |
| ATP Singles Titles | 3 |
| Career Prize Money | $11,197,426 USD |
| Best Australian Open Result | Finalist (2025) |
| Notable 2025 Achievement | Won first Masters 1000 title in Toronto |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ben Shelton say about catching Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner?
Following his exit in Auckland, Shelton acknowledged the dominance of Alcaraz and Sinner, who have won the last eight Grand Slams between them. However, he expressed belief in the next generation. “They’ve certainly been ahead of the pack the last couple years,” Shelton said. “But in my mind, there’s definitely guys who can come up there and challenge, young guys who are playing great, better and better every year.” He included himself among those aiming to bridge the gap.
What is Ben Shelton’s best Grand Slam performance?
Shelton’s deepest run at a major came at the 2025 Australian Open, where he reached the final. He also advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Australian Open and the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.
Who coaches Ben Shelton?
Shelton is primarily coached by his father, Bryan Shelton, a former ATP professional who reached a career-high ranking of No. 55. He is also assisted by coach Dean Goldfine. This family-oriented coaching setup has been a cornerstone of his rapid development since turning professional in 2022.