Ben Shelton kicked off his 2026 season with a workmanlike performance at the ASB Classic in Auckland, dispatching Argentina's Francisco Comesana in straight sets to book his place in the quarterfinals. The world number eight, who enjoyed a first-round bye as the tournament's top seed, needed an hour and 42 minutes to secure a 7-5, 6-4 victory on Wednesday afternoon.
The American's post-match comments revealed the exact challenge he expected to face in his opening outing. "I feel great, knocked off a little bit of rust, but just feel great to be back playing, back competing," Shelton told reporters. This candid assessment perfectly captured the reality of early-season tennis, where even elite players must battle through timing issues and competitive sharpness after an off-season break.
The match itself provided plenty of tension for the home crowd and Shelton's entourage, which included his father and coach Brian Shelton plus his partner, US women's national soccer team standout Trinity Rodman. The Argentine challenger, ranked 68th globally, proved a stubborn opponent who pushed the favorite to the brink in the opening set.
Comesana's aggressive approach nearly paid dividends when he earned a set point with Shelton serving at 4-5. The opportunity slipped away when the Argentine overhit a backhand down the line with Shelton positioned at net and the backcourt wide open. That missed chance proved the turning point. Shelton held serve to level at 5-5, immediately broke Comesana's serve in the following game, then served out the set with authority.
Statistical analysis of Shelton's performance reveals both his dominance and the expected early-season inconsistencies. He fired 12 aces and won an impressive 78% of points behind his first serve, showcasing the weapon that has become his trademark. However, unforced errors and occasional timing issues betrayed his lack of recent match play, validating his "rust" assessment.
The second set followed a more straightforward pattern. Shelton secured an early break in the opening game and never relinquished that advantage. His serve became increasingly reliable as the match progressed, and he faced significantly less pressure on his own delivery compared to the first set's dramatic moments. The final game saw him close out the victory without drama, setting up a quarterfinal clash with an opponent to be determined.
Auckland holds special significance for Shelton, who has made this ATP 250 event his season-launching destination for four consecutive years. This consistency reflects a deliberate strategy to begin his campaign on a surface and in conditions that suit his game, while building momentum for the season's first Grand Slam. The tournament serves as an ideal tune-up for the Australian Open, which commences the following Sunday in Melbourne.
The presence of his father Brian as both coach and mentor continues to be a cornerstone of Shelton's professional journey. Their partnership, which began when Shelton turned professional, has helped develop his raw power into a more complete tactical arsenal. Trinity Rodman's attendance adds another layer of high-performance athletic support to his camp, with the soccer star's own experience in elite competition providing valuable perspective.
While Shelton advanced, the tournament witnessed several significant upsets that reshaped the draw. Second seed Casper Ruud, the Norwegian clay-court specialist, fell victim to Hungarian qualifier Fabian Marozsan in a stunning 6-4, 6-4 defeat. Marozsan, ranked 68th, continued his impressive run after eliminating defending champion Gael Monfils in the opening round.
The Hungarian's victory was built on aggressive baseline play and exceptional serving. "I had a great serve today and I tried to push my game, tried to be aggressive, tried to believe in myself, and everything just happened today," Marozsan explained afterward. His performance against Ruud mirrored his first-round upset, where he broke serve early and maintained control throughout.
Fifth seed Cameron Norrie also made an early exit, losing to Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a three-set thriller. The British number one's 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) defeat highlighted the unpredictable nature of early-season tournaments, where players are still finding their rhythm and form. Mpetshi Perricard's powerful serve and forehand combination ultimately proved too much for the more experienced Norrie.
In another notable result, 2024 Auckland champion Alejandro Tabilo demonstrated his affinity for these courts by defeating fourth-seeded Italian Luciano Darderi. The Chilean recovered from a slow start to post a 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory, showing the resilience that carried him to last year's title. His continued success in Auckland establishes him as a dangerous floater in this year's draw.
These results underscore the competitive depth of the ATP Tour, where rankings don't always predict outcomes, particularly in the season's opening weeks. The Auckland event, while modest in stature compared to Masters 1000 tournaments, consistently produces compelling matchups and serves as a crucial testing ground for players fine-tuning their games.
For Shelton, the path forward requires building on this victory while addressing the technical adjustments needed to eliminate the errors that plagued certain moments. His next opponent will present a different challenge, likely with a contrasting style to Comesana's baseline aggression. The American's ability to adapt and improve with each match will determine how deep he can run in both Auckland and Melbourne.
The Australian Open looms large on the horizon, with players using these final days to peak at the right moment. Shelton's best Grand Slam performance came at the 2023 US Open, where he reached the semifinals, and he'll be eager to translate his hard-court prowess to Melbourne Park. His powerful lefty serve and forehand combination makes him a dangerous threat on the fast Australian courts.
As the Auckland tournament progresses, fans can expect more surprises and stellar performances. The early-round upsets have opened the draw for unseeded players to make deep runs, while top seeds like Shelton must navigate increasingly difficult opponents. The event's reputation as a launching pad for Australian Open success adds extra motivation for every competitor.
Wednesday's action demonstrated that professional tennis demands not just physical preparation but mental fortitude to overcome the inevitable rust of a training block. Shelton's ability to win while not at his peak speaks to his maturity as a competitor. His post-match acknowledgment of the challenge rather than making excuses shows a player comfortable with the realities of elite sport.
The American's journey through the 2026 season begins with this modest but meaningful step. Each match provides data, experience, and confidence that accumulates over the grueling 11-month campaign. For now, Shelton can celebrate shaking off that rust while knowing the real work lies ahead in the pressure cooker of Grand Slam tennis.