MELBOURNE, Australia – Former Gators Ben Shelton and Diego Hidalgo all began their 2026 pro season in Australia. Both Gators are set to compete in the main draw of the Australian Open.

Shelton comes into the season ranked at No. 8 by the ATP and competed in his first event at the ATP250 ASB Classic in New Zealand. At the ATP250 event Shelton has competed all the way to the Quarterfinals before his progress was upheld due to rain delay. Shelton is now set to compete in the Australian Open on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. ET against No. 36 Ugo Humbert in the round of 128. Shelton was also placed in the same quarter of the bracket as No. 2 Jannik Sinner, meaning if they both make it to the tournament’s quarterfinals, they will face each other for the 10^th time in their career.

Hidalgo’s 2026 season began back on Jan. 5 when he competed at the ATP250 Brisbane International tournament presented by ANZ. Hidalgo competed in the doubles portion of the tournament alongside Jacob Fearnley, but fell short in the round of 32 to the pairing of Raphael Collignon and Valentin Vacherot (3-6, 2-6). Hidalgo enters the 2026 season ranked at No. 77 for doubles. Hidalgo is also set to compete in the Australian Open’s doubles draw which will come out at 11 p.m. ET.

Fans can watch Australian Open full matches on the Tennis Channel or match highlights on the Australian Open website.

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