The round of 16 matches in Auckland were of a high standard, featuring a first match between Ben Shelton, the tournament’s number 1 seed, and Francisco Comesana. Ben Shelton prevailed 7-5, 6-4, showcasing the same Ben Shelton he displayed at the end of last season, still coming to the net with his trademark intensity. This victory will be a welcome boost as he resumes his 2026 season, with the Australian Open just around the corner. Now he needs to build on this performance.

The Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard defeated Cameron Norrie in three sets, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). This victory will be a welcome boost, especially mentally, as he had recently dropped in the rankings. He even had to save a match point before finally clinching the win on his fourth. He relied heavily on his serve, firing 25 aces in the match.

Fabian Marozsan continued his impressive run, defeating the number 2 seed, Casper Ruud, in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. On the one hand, we know the potential of this player, who, after all, eliminated the defending champion Gael Monfils in the previous round. On the other hand, there’s some reserve about his performance in eliminating Monfils, especially given his last season, and Ruud, who seems more preoccupied with his wife’s delivery than with the tournament itself. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the next round.

Jakub Mensik defeated Hamad Medjedovic in three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, in a match interrupted by the rain at the start of the second set. Mensik is a player with an immense potential, only 20 years old and already ranked in the Top 20. He is the number 3 seed in this tournament. Much is expected from him, as the big question is his current form heading into the Australian Open. This match wasn’t particularly convincing, knowing his opponent’s tendency to make quick unforced errors. To be continued.