Tommy Paul has made a solid statement at the Adelaide International 2025, showing why he is the top seed by slicing through the competition on his path to the semi-finals. After defeating Australia's Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-4, Paul now stands just one match away from potentially breaking his way inside the ATP Top 10 for the first time.
Competing at Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, Paul remarked on the significance of his performances as he gears up for the Australian Open, which begins shortly. "That's a big match," he said, referring to his upcoming semi-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime. The match holds considerable weight, not just for immediate bragging rights, but also as Paul aims to leapfrog various competitors like Grigor Dimitrov, reaching the coveted 10th position—something he has closely pursued.
Paul's recent success can be attributed to his tactical adjustments, particularly his focus on increasing the speed of his shots. "We wanted to sharpen the things I've done well in the past and then also try to add some ball speed to my shots," Paul explained. This strategy seems to be working well, as he secured a spot in the semi-finals without dropping serve against Hijikata—or against his previous opponent, Manuel Guinard, whom he defeated 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 earlier this week.
Hailing from Voorhees, New Jersey, the 27-year-old Paul added, "The more time on court the more it helps me... I'm not exactly match-trained, but I'm physically in great shape." While he acknowledges the challenge of transitioning from training to competitive matches, the Adelaide International serves as ample preparation, with Paul expressing his eagerness to perform well.
Paul's semi-final clash against Canada's Auger-Aliassime is bound to be tough; the two faced off previously at the Indian Wells tournament, where Auger-Aliassime had to save multiple match points. This time, both players are riding on waves of confidence as the crunch time ticks closer to the Australian Open.
On the other side of the draw, Miomir Kecmanovic has emerged as another strong competitor. He smoothly advanced to the semis after eliminating Benjamin Bonzi with a solid 6-2, 6-3 victory, which showed Kecmanovic’s growing prowess on the hard courts.
Paul's path wasn't without challenges. Initially, he had to fight through some early-season rust against Guinard before finding his groove against Hijikata, who also entered the tournament as a lucky loser. Hijikata's run included significant victories against David Goffin and Brandon Nakashima. Nevertheless, his match against Paul showcased the gulf between the top seed and upcoming talent, as Paul has consistently proven himself on the ATP Tour.
Meanwhile, Thanasi Kokkinakis, another Australian favorite and past champion of the tournament, faced disappointment after withdrawing from the event due to a shoulder injury. This setback denotes the tough reality many players endure as they prepare for the Australian Open, which begins on January 14. Kokkinakis had hoped to gain momentum from the Adelaide International, but his physical concerns have now raised doubt on his readiness for the larger tournament.
Reflecting on the array of talent at the Adelaide International, Paul noted, "Whenever you come here, you're coming off of a long training block—there are pros and cons to it." This sentiment encapsulates the broader experience among players: the anxious blending of physical readiness and competitive edge. The Adelaide tournament serves as not just another competition but as preparation ground for the significant challenges posed by the Australian Open.
With the semi-finals set, the wildfire continues to brew, promising matches filled with intensity and high stakes. Notably, the tight race for ATP points encapsulates each player’s approach as they navigate through the Adelaide court, where every detail counts. Whether it’s augmenting shot speed or saving break points, every aspect of their game is under scrutiny.
Paul, having already shown his mettle by saving four break points against Hijikata, emphasizes strong defense as key to his success. “I saved 10 of 11 break points just last match; each point matters immensely,” he stated with conviction. It is this determination and focus on improvement which sets him apart as he moves ever closer to the elusive Top 10 ranking.
Looking forward to the remaining matches, excitement brews as fans anticipate another thrilling showdown on the road to the Australian Open.