Shelton’s Munich win was the biggest clay-court title for a U.S. man since Andre Agassi’s run to the Rome title in 2002—months before Shelton was born.
Paul will open against either Roberto Bautista Agut, who is competing in his final season, or Thiago Tirante, while Shelton has a potentially tougher challenge against Raphael Collignon or Matteo Berrettini.
Barcelona champion Arthur Fils is also in the top half of the draw, anchoring a quarter with 2025 finalist Jack Draper and No. 6 seed Lorenzo Musetti.
In the absence of Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev is the No. 2 seed and will play his first match against Nuno Borges or Mariano Navone. The German has posted consistent results throughout the 2026 season but has often faltered in the later stages, most recently last week at his home tournament in Munich. Also in Zverev’s quarter is No. 17 seeded American Learner Tien, and No. 7 seed Daniil Medvedev, who is looking to reverse course after suffering a rare 6-0, 6-0 defeat in Monte Carlo.
Click here to check out the full Madrid Open men’s draw.
