Shelton overcomes Humbert to reach 2nd round of Australian Open

In a match between left-handers, American Ben Shelton, a semifinalist a year ago in Australia, overcame Ugo Humbert of France 6-3, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) to reach the second round. Shelton was also semifinalist at the U.S. Open in 2023.

Eighth-seeded Shelton said it was one of the toughest first-round matches he could have faced with Humbert ranked No. 33. If Humbert was ranked 32nd or better he would not have faced a seeded player in the first round.

"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 I found some of my better tennis late in the match."

Fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti advanced when Raphael Collignon of Belgium retired in the fourth set. The result was 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5, 3-2 when the Belgian player quit due to reported cramping and dizziness.

In night matches, two-time defending men's champion Jannik Sinner faced Hugo Gaston of France and two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was scheduled to play Antonia Ruzic of Croatia.