Ben Shelton cruises through French Open Round 1 in straight sets

Ben Shelton defeated Daniel Merida 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the 2026 French Open on Monday, May 25. Shelton dominated throughout, hitting 35 winners and six aces while winning rallies of four shots or fewer. He broke Merida's serve at key moments in all three sets, including a decisive break while leading 5-4 in the final set.