Overview
- Shelton won his 2026 opener 7-5, 6-4 over world No. 68 Francisco Comesana to advance at the ATP 250 ASB Classic.
- He fired 12 aces, won 78% of first-serve points, and saved a set point in a 1 hour, 42 minute match.
- Competing as the top seed after a first-round bye, Shelton acknowledged some early rust but said he felt good to be back.
- He will face the winner of Sebastian Baez vs. Jenson Brooksby in the quarterfinals, a matchup that follows strong recent form from both players.
- During a tense first set, Shelton apologized after a smash struck Comesana on the nose, and play continued without delay.