World No. 8 Ben Shelton secured a hard-fought victory against Ugo Humbert in the Australian Open’s first round at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Despite the 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(5) scoreline, the match was a tense battle that pushed Shelton to deliver his best tennis under pressure.
This win marks a significant step for Shelton in regaining momentum after a left shoulder injury disrupted his season following the 2025 Melbourne semifinals. Concerns about his form were somewhat eased as he showcased his signature serve and forehand during the match.
In a crucial moment during the third-set tiebreak, Shelton, after trailing 0-3, rallied with five consecutive points, showcasing his mental resilience in major tournaments. Looking ahead, Shelton is gearing up to face either Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny or French player Gaël Monfils in the next round.
