Shelton and Humbert to Face Off Again at Australian Open UTS
The 2026 Australian Open is set to be an exciting event, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between Ben Shelton and Ugo Humbert. This match marks the opening round of the tournament and revives memories of their thrilling showdown in the 2024 UTS Frankfurt final.
Shelton vs. Humbert: A UTS Rematch
Ben Shelton, ranked eighth, will face French player Ugo Humbert in a match that resonates with fans of the UTS. Last year, these two left-handers showcased their skills in Frankfurt, where Shelton, known as “The Mountain,” claimed his first Zeus trophy after a dominant performance. This electrifying final is described by Shelton as “the best eight minutes I’ve ever had on a court.”
Despite their history in UTS, their overall ATP head-to-head remains at zero. Shelton recently demonstrated his form with a strong run in Auckland, while Humbert, currently ranked 36th, is considered a dangerous unseeded player.
Additional First-Round Showdowns
The Australian Open draw also features compelling matchups. Notably, Alex de Minaur, the sixth seed and two-time defending UTS Grand Final champion, is scheduled to go up against Matteo Berrettini. This match presents a dual narrative of UTS history, with De Minaur representing the current fast-paced format and Berrettini as the inaugural UTS 1 champion from 2020.
Although Berrettini holds the 56th ATP ranking, his prior experience as a semifinalist at the Australian Open in 2022 adds weight to his presence. The two competitors share a closely contested head-to-head record, with De Minaur trailing 3-2.
Noteworthy Players in the Draw
- Casper Ruud (12): Defending champion from Nîmes, faces Mattia Bellucci in the first round.
- Andrey Rublev (13): Will play against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
- Alexander Bublik (10): Known as the “Bublik Enemy,” contends with Jenson Brooksby, with potential for a later fourth-round clash against De Minaur.
- Félix Auger-Aliassime (7): Positioned to avoid the high-stakes matchups of Sinner and Alcaraz, will first face Nuno Borges from Portugal.
The 2026 Australian Open promises intense competition and dramatic storylines as players prepare to battle for supremacy, particularly in the anticipated matchup of Shelton and Humbert.
