Tommy Paul Stuns Adelaide to Kickstart 2026 with His First Tour Win

Paul Opens 2026 with a Triumph in Adelaide

Tommy Paul kicked off his 2026 season on Wednesday, recording his first win on the ATP Tour in four months at the Adelaide International 250.

He had earlier fallen to a French server-heavy opponent last week in Brisbane, in his first match since the US Open in August, but in Adelaide he defeated his fellow American Riley Opelka 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.

The 28-year-old American had been sidelined late 2025 with a foot injury but showed no signs of rust in Adelaide, where he has twice reached the semi-finals before.

Paul joked to the ATP Tour site that facing a player with a similar playing style last week probably helped; he added that he wasn’t competing in events but was training. He likes the Australian courts, which tend to suit his game, and he's glad to be back, feeling good physically and excited to start the year.

In the next round, he will face Australian qualifier Alexander Vukic, who beat Italian doubles star Andrea Vavassori 6-2, 7-6.

Aleksandar Davidovich Fokina, the top seed, earned his first 2026 win by defeating Australian Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-2, setting up a quarterfinal with Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrawing with a right shoulder injury.

Jaume Munar rallied to defeat Francisco Cerundolo 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, continuing his strong form, and will meet Tomáš Macháč after Macháč beat Quentin Halys 6-4, 6-2.

Ugo Humbert advanced to face Alexander Shevchenko after a 6-4, 6-1 win over Talon Griekspoor in 78 minutes, while Shevchenko defeated Márton Fucsovics 6-3, 7-6 to reach the quarterfinals.