Ben Shelton to Compete at ASB Classic Ahead of 2026 Australian Open

American tennis star Ben Shelton announced today he will participate in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, as a key part of his preparation for the 2026 Australian Open.

The ATP 250 tournament, beginning January 12th, will serve as a tune-up for Shelton before the Australian Open commences on January 18th. Shelton shared his reasoning for returning to Auckland, stating, “For me, it’s been great preparation, great matches, and a place that I feel comfortable. I think that to start the year, it’s nice to be somewhere that you’re comfortable and feel like home. I enjoy playing there. I’ve played well in the Australian Open after that tournament, and it’s one that I’d like to keep coming back to.”

This will be Shelton’s fourth consecutive appearance at the ASB Classic. His previous performances there have correlated with success at the Australian Open; in 2023, he reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne after competing in Auckland, followed by a third-round appearance in 2024 and a semifinal run at a Grand Slam this year. Shelton’s decision to prioritize comfort and familiarity in his pre-season preparation reflects a growing trend among top players seeking to optimize their performance at the sport’s biggest events – like the Australian Open.

Shelton concluded his 2025 season prematurely due to a shoulder injury sustained during the US Open, sidelining him for the Asian swing. He is currently ranked number six in the world and will be looking to build on a strong 2025 season, which included a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open and a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon. Officials confirmed Shelton is expected to begin training for the Auckland event in late December.