Three of the top four seeds have advanced to the quarterfinals in Auckland, including Ben Shelton and Jakub Mensik. They will face Sebastian Baez and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, respectively, on Thursday.
(1) Ben Shelton vs. (7) Sebastian Baez
Shelton and Baez will be facing each other for the second time in their careers and the second time in the ASB Classic when they battle for a spot in the semifinals Thursday afternoon. They faced each other in the first round in 2023, when Shelton cruised 7-6 (1), 6-1. The eighth-ranked American kicked off his 2026 campaign on Wednesday by beating fellow Argentine, Francisco Comesana, in straight sets.
Baez is on fire to start the year. The world number 39 is undefeated in the United Cup with wins over Jaume Munar, Taylor Fritz, and Stan Wawrinka, and so far this week he has defeated Emilo Nava and Jenson Brooksby. Past results, however, have been good for Shelton. The 23-year-old is a much better player than he was when he beat Baez in 2023 and this is similar to him and what Comesana brought to the table in the second round.
Pick: Shelton at 2
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs. (3) Jakub Mensik
Coach Perricard looks like the most dangerous floater at the Australian Open along with Hubert Hurkacz. The 22-year-old, who is number 63 in the world, can be dangerous every time he steps on the court due to his explosiveness. And he’s playing well right now, too. Coach Perricard will be out of the quarterfinal match in Brisbane and finds himself in the Auckland quarters after knocking out Roberto Bautista Agut (in the second breaker) and Cameron Norrie (at the beginning of the third set).
Next up for the Frenchman is a third meeting with Mensik, who has lost the last two matches. Champion Perricard won 13-11 in the second ‘breaker at the 2023 Poznan Challenger before winning 7-5, 7-6(5) 12 months ago in Brisbane. Mensik has gone 2-2 so far this season and the 18th-ranked Czech is coming off a tough three-setter against Hamad Medjedovic on Wednesday. This is another good opportunity for Coach Perricard in this game.
Pick: Peaches Perricard at 3
