Marozsán Strikes Early in Auckland: Ruud Bounced, Shelton Sparks the Start
14 January 2026
Marozsán Extends Auckland Streak Against Ruud
In Auckland's ATP 250 event, the Hungarian-born star Fábián Marozsán continued to torment Casper Ruud, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory. It marked his tenth win over Top 20 opponents, a milestone that keeps his season trending upward. Marozsán had already knocked out defending champion Gaël Monfils in the opening round, underscoring his rapid rise in this tournament.
Quarterfinals Set for Marozsán vs Spizzirri
Marozsán's win improves his head-to-head against Ruud to 2-0, and he will meet Eliot Spizzirri in the quarterfinals after Spizzirri edged past Portuguese Nuno Borges 7-6, 6-4. The American's victory creates a fresh test for the Hungarian as he chases more upsets in Auckland.
Top Seed Shelton Opens Season Strong
Top seed Ben Shelton opened his season with a confident 7-5, 6-4 win over Argentine Francisco Comesaña. In his first appearance since the Finals, Shelton saved all six break points faced, extending his perfect record against Argentines to 12-0. He advances to a quarterfinal clash with Sebastián Báez, who has also started the year strong.
Baez, Mpetchi‑Berekard and Darderi Shine
Baez continued his ascent with a 7-5, 6-0 victory over Jenson Brooksby, aiming for another Top‑10 upset when he faces Shelton. Frenchman Giovanni Mpetchi‑Berekard narrowly avoided a late setback to beat Cameron Nori 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, earning his second straight quarterfinal of the season. He will play Czech Jakub Menšík, who defeated Hamad Medjedovic 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. Luciano Darderi, after dropping the first set, rallied to defeat Alejandro Tabilo 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 to set up a meeting with Marcus Giron, who beat Alex Michelsen 6-4, 6-4.
Notes of the day: if heavy topspin and precise serve placement were currencies, these players would be minting money in Auckland.
Punchline 1: If backhands were emails, these guys would never need to press send—results arrive faster than the subject line.
Punchline 2: In tennis, the ball always comes back; in my life, the excuses come back even faster. Maybe I should start a serve-and-stay-fit club instead.
