Overview
- Shelton defeated Humbert 6-3, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5) in two hours and 37 minutes to open his 2026 Melbourne campaign.
- The American left-hander struck 15 aces and won about 78% of his first‑serve points, controlling key moments on Rod Laver Arena.
- He pointed to extensive tiebreak experience in Melbourne as decisive, saying he "played two great tiebreakers" and stayed calm under pressure.
- Humbert entered ranked No. 33, making him a high-quality unseeded opponent for the eighth seed and a stern first-round test.
- Up next is Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny, who upset Gael Monfils, as Shelton continues his return to Slam play following a late-2025 shoulder scare he says has structurally checked out.