Ben Shelton, the 21-year-old American rising star, started his 2025 season on a bittersweet note, losing his opening match at the ASB Classic in Auckland. Despite the defeat, Shelton appeared unfazed, choosing to focus on the positives as he gears up for the Australian Open.
A Battle of Big Servers
Shelton, the top seed at the ATP 250 event, faced a challenging second-round draw against fellow youngster Jakub Mensik. It was their second meeting, with Shelton having prevailed in their first clash at Indian Wells last year. This time, however, Mensik turned the tables in a high-stakes match.
- Scoreline: Mensik defeated Shelton 7-6(2), 4-6, 7-5.
- Despite saving nine break points during the match, Shelton was broken at the worst moment—while serving to force a deciding-set tie-break.
Shelton acknowledged Mensik’s clutch play in key moments:
“I thought I played a good match, I thought he played a better match. He came up with what he needed in the big moments.”
Shelton’s Optimism Amid Defeat
While the loss was disappointing, Shelton pointed out that he has never begun a season with a win.
“I’ve not once on the ATP Tour started the year with a win, so it doesn’t worry me too much. Out of my three (years), this is probably the best I played.”
He also took pride in his serving performance, even as he admired Mensik’s ability to deliver blistering serves under pressure:
“I thought I served clutch down the stretch. I returned well against a guy who was hitting lines at over 220 km/h every single time. That radar gun’s broken—he was serving faster.”
Mensik’s Statement Win
For Mensik, the victory marked a breakthrough in his burgeoning career. After defeating Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round, overcoming Shelton solidified his status as a player to watch.
“It was a tough match, especially mentally. So many chances to break him, but it happened at the last game. I’m happy I kept my focus.”
Looking Ahead
With the Australian Open on the horizon, Shelton remains optimistic about his form. Despite the loss, his solid performance against Mensik could provide a strong foundation for success in Melbourne. Fans will be eager to see if he can channel his confidence into a deep run at the year’s first Grand Slam.