Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton lead the American contingent on Tuesday on the Australian Open in a pair of all-American showdowns. Fritz faces Brooksby, whereas Shelton goes up in opposition to Brandon Nakashima.
(21) Ben Shelton vs. Brandon Nakashima
American Ben Shelton was ranked a career-high thirteenth on this planet final August, however he underperformed on the U.S. Open–the place he was defending semifinal factors from 2023. He misplaced within the third spherical to his good friend and Davis Cup teammate Frances Tiafoe. Shelton had some encouraging outcomes final fall, particularly his run to the ultimate in Basel, however hasn’t but gained a match in 2025 but. He dropped his opening match in Auckland to Jakub Mensik.
Shelton’s first-round opponent on the Australian Open on Tuesday is acquainted foe Brandon Nakashima. They squared off twice in 2024 and Shelton gained each, however they had been tight straight-set wins. Nakashima additionally had a shaky begin to the 2025 season, with a first-round loss in Adelaide and a second-round ouster in Auckland. The previous UVA standout is a gifted participant who had a little bit of breakthrough a few years in the past. He truly out-performed Shelton on the U.S. Open (spherical of 16 loss to Alexander Zverev).
Supplied that Shelton’s serve is firing, Tuesday’s match ought to go his manner, as nicely. Nakashima doesn’t have the return sport to maintain up with the No. 21 seed’s monster first serve.
Cheryl decide: Shelton in 4
Ricky decide: Shelton in 4
(4) Taylor Fritz vs. (PR) Jenson Brooksby
Taylor Fritz had a unbelievable 2024 season. The highest-ranked American was a first-time Grand Slam finalist on the U.S. Open (misplaced to Jannik Sinner) and a finalist on the Nitto ATP finals (misplaced to Sinner). The factor that’s lacking for Fritz is the elusive main title. He performed nicely on the United Cup earlier this month, successful 4 of his 5 matches whereas showcasing the consistency for which he’s recognized.
Jenson Brooksby has been serving a ban on account of lacking three doping exams in 2023. He missed your entire 2024 season and made his manner into the primary draw with a protected rating. There isn’t any body of reference for Brooksby’s kind, as he hasn’t performed in additional than a yr. He did beat Fritz the one time the 2 males beforehand met, however that was again in 2021–earlier than Fritz turned the “top player” model of himself. Search for loads of rust from Brooksby.
Cheryl decide: Fritz in 3
Ricky decide: Fritz in 3
