After a quarterfinal run at the 2026 Australian Open, Ben Shelton’s focus now turns to the ATP Tour’s busy February slate. Although his journey at Melbourne Park ended at the last-eight stage, the American isn’t slowing down. He has already mapped out the next two stops of the season. Let’s find out.
Shelton wrapped up his Australian Open campaign on January 28 in the quarterfinals against Jannik Sinner. The Italian did not let one set slip out of his hand, earning a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win and dashing the American’s hopes of advancing further at the Major. However, the World No. 7 has already set his eyes on another title and is ready to commence his February hustle.
His first scheduled tournament after Melbourne is the Dallas Open, an ATP 500 event that will be held from February 9-15. It will take place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. This US tournament is one of the most anticipated stops on the early-season calendar for players and a great opportunity for Shelton to perform in front of a home crowd.
This tournament’s lineup also features Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Tommy Paul, Denis Shapovalov, and more.
Following Dallas, Shelton is scheduled to head south to Acapulco, Mexico, for the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, another ATP 500 event. It is traditionally played on outdoor hard courts and offers players a slightly different environment with warmer weather and outdoor conditions that test both physical resilience and tactical adaptability.
This tournament will take place from February 23 to 28, at the Arena GNP Seguros. This year will mark the 33rd edition of the hardcourt event. Along with Ben Shelton, this tournament will feature Alex de Minaur, Alexander Zverev, Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, and more.
By adding this tournament to his schedule, the 23-year-old is positioning himself to maintain competitive sharpness throughout February.
Ben Shelton Weighed In on His Loss Against Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open
After losing to Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinal round of the Australian Open, Ben Shelton addressed the media at a post-match press conference. One of the reporters asked the American if he was proud of how much he had achieved in the last three years.
Responding to this, the 23-year-old said (3:57 onwards):
“No, I mean it’s all about perspective, and I do have a great perspective for the most part. I know how blessed I am and lucky I am. I got great people around me, and that’s why I continue to make improvements. But I’m an addict. I become more and more addicted to this game and figuring things out, chasing the guys who are ahead of me. It’s, you know, feeling the pressure that you feel on the court at a Grand Slam, as there’s no better feeling.”
“And for me, it’s a privilege to be out here every time, especially at the, you know, four biggest tournaments of the year. But that’s what drives me every day. And I just feel like the drive getting stronger and stronger each year. I just feel that, tonight I’m upset 100% with how it went, but I have a lot of belief in myself and confidence and in the work that I know will be continuous and I’ll continue to put in,” he added.
Ben Shelton opened his 2026 season at the ASB Classic, where he suffered a quarterfinal loss into Sebastian Baez on January 15.
Read More Tennis News:
1. Ben Shelton Reveals Reasons Why He Can Upset Jannik Sinner in Australian Open Quarterfinal
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
