ATP Auckland: Menchik secures two wins in one day, Baez upsets top seed Shelton

On January 16, 2026, Beijing time, the ATP250 Auckland event determined its finalists. Following yesterday’s rain, three quarterfinal matches were held today, resulting in third seed Menchik, seventh seed Baez, and Marosan reaching the last four.

Image of Menchik

In the first semifinal, third seed Menchik and Marosan reached a tiebreak in the opening set, with Menchik saving three match points before edging out 11-9. In the second set, despite trailing 1-3, Marosan fought back strongly, winning eight consecutive points at the end to take the set 6-4. In the decisive set, Menchik limited his opponent to just one game and closed out the match 6-1, advancing to his first tour final of the season.

Seventh seed Baez, in a rescheduled quarterfinal, defeated top seed Shelton 7-5, 6-3, marking his second victory over a Top 10 player this season. Last week at the United Cup, he won all three matches against No.9 Fritz, No.38 Munar, and three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka. Continuing his strong form in the semifinals, Baez easily beat fellow American Giron 6-1, 6-4 to secure his place in the final.

In men’s doubles, Alibayev/Olivetti and Eller/Galloway each won their matches and will compete for the title tomorrow.

(Text and editing: Dato; Photo: Visual China)