Shelton & Kovacevic Advance in Dallas After Instagram-Fueled Partnership
A whirlwind search for a doubles partner on social media culminated in a successful opening match for Ben Shelton and Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Nexo Dallas Open on Monday, February 10, 2026. The American duo defeated Grigor Dimitrov and Georgi Georgiev 5-7, 7-6(3), 10-3, marking Shelton’s first competitive action since his impressive quarter-final run at the Australian Open.
From Social Media to Centre Court
Shelton initiated the search for a partner by posting on Instagram, and was quickly inundated with offers. “I received ‘100s of DMs’ from potential teammates,” Shelton stated, highlighting the widespread interest in partnering with the rising American star. Ultimately, he selected countryman Aleksandar Kovacevic, a decision that appears to have paid immediate dividends.
A Hard-Fought Victory Over Bulgarian Opposition
The match on centre court proved to be a tightly contested affair. Despite failing to convert either of their break point opportunities, according to Infosys ATP Stats, Shelton and Kovacevic demonstrated resilience in both tie-breaks. They secured the second set tie-break by winning the first point against serve at 6-5, and then dominated the Match Tie-break, racing to an 8-0 lead.
The American pair showcased a powerful serving game, firing a combined 18 aces throughout the match, with Kovacevic delivering the final ace to seal the victory. They also won an impressive 88 percent (49 of 56) of their first-serve points, demonstrating their command on serve. Their opponents included Georgi Georgiev, a current college player at nearby Southern Methodist University.
Quarter-Finals Await
Shelton and Kovacevic now await the winners of the match between third-seeded Frenchmen Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul, and American qualifiers Tyler Hilderbrand and Mac Kiger. The quarter-final matchup promises to be a challenging test for the newly formed American duo.
Upsets Mark Early Rounds of Dallas Doubles Play
In the only other doubles match completed so far this week in Dallas, Evan King and John Peers pulled off an upset, overcoming fourth-seeded Americans Robert Cash and James Tracy 7-6(1), 3-6, 11-9 after saving two match points. This early tournament action suggests a highly competitive doubles draw at the Nexo Dallas Open.
