Ben Shelton survives Ugo Humbert scare to launch Australian Open bid with straight-sets win

Playing under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, Shelton outlasted France's Ugo Humbert 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(5) in a high-quality duel between left-handers to secure his place in the second round. The scoreline reflected a contest defined by fine margins, booming serves and composure under pressure.

Shelton set the tone early, unleashing his trademark power from the baseline and on serve to take control of the opening set. One thunderous 229kph delivery on just the second point underlined his intent, while an early break proved decisive as he closed out the set with authority.

Humbert, ranked 33rd in the world and unfortunate to draw a seeded opponent in the first round, steadily worked his way into the match. The Frenchman raised his return level in the second set, recovering from a break down on two occasions as Shelton's unforced errors crept up. However, when the set moved into a tiebreak, Shelton's experience told. The American tightened his game, capitalised on a dip in Humbert's accuracy and surged into a two-set lead.

The third set unfolded as a serving exhibition, with break points at a premium and neither player giving ground. Humbert looked poised to extend the match when he raced to a 3-0 lead in the deciding tiebreak, but Shelton refused to yield. He reeled off point after point, eventually sealing victory with a forehand winner down the line before roaring in celebration.

Shelton, who reached the semifinals in Melbourne last year before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, credited his growing comfort in high-pressure moments. Having played eight tiebreaks in six matches at last year's Australian Open, he leaned heavily on that experience once again.

"I thought I stayed really calm today," Shelton said. "On a court like this, playing Ugo in the first round is a tough draw. I felt like I found some of my better tennis later in the match, and that's all you can hope for."

Elsewhere in the men's draw, fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti progressed after Belgian Raphael Collignon retired in the fourth set due to cramping and dizziness, with Musetti leading 4-6, 7-6(3), 7-5, 3-2. American Eliot Spizzirri impressed with a four-set win over 19-year-old Brazilian prospect Joao Fonseca, while Karen Khachanov and Sebastian Baez also booked their places in the second round.

For Shelton, though, the focus remains firmly on building momentum. After navigating one of the trickiest opening-round assignments, the American will look to sharpen his game further as he eyes another deep run at Melbourne Park.

READ MORE: Joe Morris’ birthday wish ahead of CGA elections