Ugo Humbert and Jakub Mensik will make quick changes following a deep run last week, and they don’t have an easy Australian Open draw. Humbert vs. Ben Shelton; Mensik meets Pablo Carreno Busta.
(8) Ben Shelton vs. Ugo Humbert
Humbert will enter the Australian Open on the back of a runner-up finish in Adelaide, where he lost to Tomas Machac in a tough three-setter on Saturday. It was a much-needed result for the 27-year-old Frenchman, who struggled during the 2025 campaign – mainly due to physical problems – then dropped his opening game in Brisbane to Cameron Norrie. Humbert comes in at 33rd in the rankings and is without a doubt one of the best undrafted players in the field.
After two days off, Humbert is set to meet Shelton for the first time – a left-handed duel. Shelton played again last week but lost early (quarterfinals) in Oakland to Sebastian Baez, which may have been a blessing. The seventh-ranked American will be well rested in Melbourne, where he has points to defend. Although this is a tough opener, Shelton often thrives in Grand Slams and Humbert should at least be tired.
Pick: Shelton at 4
(16) Jakub Mensik vs. Pablo Carreno Busta
Like Humbert, Mensik also made the most of his stop in Week 2 of the ATP calendar. The 20-year-old went all-out in Auckland, where he produced a stunning 6-4, 6-2 drubbing of Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the quarterfinals and finally ended Baez’s streak with a 6-3, 7-6(7) victory in the title match.
Mensik’s start on Tuesday is the third meeting with Carreno Busta, who has lost both of their previous matches. The 17th-ranked Czech won 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 last year in Auckland and 7-5, 6-4 this time in the Davis Cup final. Carreno Busta is in questionable form at the moment, as the 34-year-old Spaniard lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the first round in Brisbane and fell in the Auckland qualifier to Vit Kopriva. Fatigue shouldn’t be too much for Mensik, who only played four games last week (starting with a bye). But still, he brings great tennis and first strike to the table. He can finish the score – and the entire game – quickly.
Choose: Mensik in 3
