Melbourne, Jan. 20 -- American eighth seed Ben Shelton advanced to the second round of the Australian Open 2026 after a hard-fought straight-sets victory over France's Ugo Humbert at Rod Laver Arena here on Tuesday.
Shelton sealed a 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(5) win in a high-quality left-handed contest, underlining the form that has taken him into the world's top five following a breakout season. Humbert, who narrowly missed out on a seeded spot, raised his level as the match progressed but was unable to capitalise in the crucial moments.
The American set the tone early, breaking serve to establish control in the opening set, highlighted by a blistering forehand return at 5-2. The second set turned into a tight tussle as Humbert fought back, but S...