MELBOURNE, Jan 15, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Ben Shelton admitted Monday the past year had been a whirlwind, with one of tennis's hottest young prospects learning a lot about himself and the world.

This time last year, the 21-year-old was on his first trip ever outside the United States, playing at the Australian Open as an unknown.

A fairytale run to the quarter-finals put him firmly on the radar and he has since soared up the rankings to 16, winning his first ATP Tour title in Tokyo in October.

Shelton eased into the second round at Melbourne Park by beating Spanish veteran Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 and reflected on his life-changing 12 months.

"It's been cool for me to see different places, different cultures," he said.

"It's interesting because I feel a lot more comfortable now being in certain places outside of the US, whereas I felt like early last year I was, OK, I was comfortable in the US. When I was outside, it was a little uncomfortable.

"But now I feel like I'm pretty used to things."

"Australia feels comfortable, easy, kind of at home," he added. "I'm happy that I got to go to so many different places last year."

He pinpointed Switzerland as a favourite destination, but added: "The Australian Open has been pretty special for me and a really cool place, one of my favourite places to play."

Shelton, whose father Bryan reached 55 in the world, acknowledged he was still learning on the tennis court, and took a lot from his clash with the wily Bautista Agut.

"Yeah, he's a smart player. Definitely a vet, not only in the way he plays, but what he does in between points, the way he manages himself," he said.

"He doesn't give you much or show much out there. That was pretty interesting to see."

Next up for the American is Australian Chris O'Connell, with Shelton preparing for a raucous atmosphere against a local hero.

"Chris is a great guy, first off. I'm really looking forward to the match-up. Anytime that you play an Aussie here in Melbourne, you know you're in for a rowdy match-up," he said.

"I know a lot of the crowd is not going to be on my side for this next match, but I'm used to that."