Ben Shelton defeated Daniel Merida 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the French Open (Roland-Garros) on Monday.
Shelton took an early 3-0 lead in the first set, breaking Merida at his first opportunity. In the second set, Shelton broke after each man held serve twice and finished things off with another break, holding Merida at love in the final game. The final set stayed even until things were tied at four games apiece. Shelton broke Merida while up 5-4 to finish things off.
The former Gator hit 35 winners and six aces while dominating rallies that last four shots or fewer.
“I think I’m learning more and more every year,” Shelton said. “This is my favourite clay-court tournament and to be able to be at a Grand Slam playing on a big court like this is a privilege. The French crowd always knows how to bring energy, and that’s part of the reason I play so well here.”
Looking ahead at the French Open
Shelton faces World No. 62 Raphael Collignon in the second round at Roland-Garros. It is the first meeting between the two. Should Shelton win that matchup, one of No. 33 Tallon Griekspoor, No. 79 Stefanos Tsitsipas, No. 104 Matteo Arnaldi and No. 127 Alexandre Muller awaits.
World No. 10 Alexander Bublik and No. 22 Frances Tiafoe are the favorites to make it to the Round 3 matchup in Shelton’s draw.
Ben Shelton’s world ranking
Shelton entered the French Open ranked No. 5 in the world. Felix Auger-Aliassime has leapfrogged him in the live rankings, but Novak Djokovic has dropped five places to No. 9, leaving Shelton at the No. 5 spot.
Shelton made it to the Round of 16 in 2025 before falling to Carlos Alcaraz, who is not participating in the French Open this year. A Round of 128 win earns Shelton 10 ATP points. He must make it to the Round of 16 to recover all 200 points earned last year.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Ben Shelton vs Daniel Merida French Open results