Tommy Paul made a triumphant return to competitive tennis, claiming his first tour-level victory in four months with a straight-sets defeat of compatriot Reilly Opelka at the Adelaide International. The American had been sidelined since the US Open due to a lingering foot injury. In second appearance in 2026, Paul showed no signs of rust in his 6-4, 6-4 victory. Meanwhile, in Auckland, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard provided the day's most dramatic moment, saving a match point before defeating Cameron Norrie in three sets to reach his second consecutive ATP quarter-final of 2026.
Paul overcomes injury layoff with clinical display
Tommy Paul needed just one extra opportunity to neutralize a big server and get his 2026 season rolling at the Adelaide International. After falling to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Brisbane the previous week - his first tour-level match since August - Paul responded with authority against Reilly Opelka, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory to reach the quarter-finals. The 28-year-old American had missed the final three months of 2025 due to a foot injury, causing him to slip from a career-high No. 8 ranking to World No. 21. His return to Adelaide, where he has reached the semi-finals twice before, showed the benefits of his practice regimen during the layoff. Paul acknowledged that facing a similar serving style the previous week had helped his preparation, and expressed satisfaction with his physical condition as he looks to rebuild momentum in the new season.
Mpetshi Perricard escapes danger against Norrie
The day's most gripping encounter saw Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard survive a match point before defeating Cameron Norrie 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) in Auckland. The 22-year-old Frenchman found himself in serious trouble when serving at 4-5, 30-40 in the deciding set, but managed to hold serve and force a tiebreak. His powerful serving ultimately proved decisive, as he fired 25 aces throughout the match and won 16 of 20 serve pressure points when trailing in games. The victory marked Mpetshi Perricard's second consecutive ATP quarter-final of the new season, demonstrating his growing comfort at tour level. Despite losing the opening set, he showed impressive mental fortitude to turn the match around against the experienced British left-hander.
Marozsan continues Auckland dominance over Ruud
Fabian Marozsan extended his perfect record against Casper Ruud with a composed 6-4, 6-4 victory in Auckland, earning his 10th career Top 20 win. The Hungarian had already upset defending champion Gael Monfils in the opening round and backed that up with an impressive performance against the second seed. This marked the third time in four Auckland appearances that Ruud has suffered an early exit, highlighting his ongoing struggles at the ATP 250 event. Marozsan controlled the crucial moments, converting 2 of 9 break point opportunities while saving his only break point faced. His clinical performance under pressure was evident as he won 9 of 10 serve pressure points, barely allowing the Norwegian any chances to mount a comeback. The victory secured Marozsan's place in his 10th tour-level quarter-final.
Humbert dominates Griekspoor in Adelaide
Ugo Humbert produced the day's most dominant display, dismantling Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 6-1 in Adelaide to advance to the quarter-finals. The Frenchman was in complete control from the outset, winning 80% of his first serve points and converting 4 of 8 break point opportunities. After a competitive opening set, Humbert elevated his level dramatically in the second, dropping just one game as Griekspoor's resistance crumbled. The world No. 36's aggressive return game proved particularly effective, as he won 11 of 21 return pressure points to capitalize whenever the Dutchman faced adversity. Humbert's clinical performance showcased the form that has made him one of the most consistent performers on the ATP tour over the past 12 months.
Spizzirri upsets Borges in straight sets
Eliot Spizzirri continued his strong start to the season with a 7-6(6), 6-4 upset victory over Nuno Borges in Auckland. The American qualifier, ranked No. 89, handled the pressure moments expertly against the world No. 46, winning 7 of 21 return pressure points while maintaining exceptional serving statistics. Spizzirri won 81% of his first serve points and struck 7 aces, never allowing Borges to establish any rhythm. The opening set tiebreak proved crucial, with Spizzirri edging a tight contest 8-6 before carrying that momentum into a more comfortable second set. His victory sets up an intriguing quarter-final clash with Marozsan, as both players look to continue their impressive runs at the ATP 250 event.
The quarter-final lineup is now taking shape in both Adelaide and Auckland, with several unseeded players having made their mark in the opening week of the 2026 season. As the Australian Open approaches, these early tournaments continue to provide valuable match practice for players looking to hit their stride on the hard courts Down Under.
Looking ahead to Thursday's quarter-finals
The ATP tour delivers a compelling quarterfinals slate on Thursday, headlined by Ben Shelton's clash with Sebastian Baez in Auckland. The world No. 8 American faces a tricky test against the in-form Argentine, who arrives on a five-match winning streak. Meanwhile, rising star Jakub Mensik battles the towering Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a fascinating power clash. Adelaide provides additional intrigue with Tomas Machac meeting Jaume Munar in their first career encounter.
Shelton seeks to halt Baez's surge
Ben Shelton enters as the heavy favorite, but Sebastian Baez's recent form suggests this won't be straightforward. The American's powerful serve has been his calling card, averaging 9.5 aces per match over the past year on hard courts, but his 4-6 record in his last 10 matches raises questions about his current sharpness. Shelton's 76.5% first-serve points won percentage remains elite level, though his return game has been inconsistent.
Baez couldn't have timed his hot streak better. The Argentine has rediscovered his baseline aggression, winning five straight matches while showing improved composure on the faster surface. His 47.9% break point conversion rate over the past year suggests he can capitalize on Shelton's second serve, which has yielded just 54.4% of points won. The pair met in Auckland three years ago, with Shelton prevailing, but Baez has evolved significantly since then. His superior return numbers against both first and second serves (29.3% and 50.9% respectively) could prove decisive if he can neutralize Shelton's biggest weapon.
Youth versus power in Auckland
The Mensik-Mpetshi Perricard encounter promises fireworks between two of the tour's most exciting young talents. At 18, Mensik has already cracked the top 20, but he faces a familiar nemesis in the towering Frenchman, who leads their head-to-head 2-0 after victory in Brisbane just last year.
Mpetshi Perricard's serve remains his greatest asset, averaging a staggering 14.2 aces per match and saving 70.7% of break points faced. However, his return game continues to lag behind, converting just 30.7% of break point opportunities. Mensik matches him in the ace department (14.3 per match) while offering superior returning ability. The Czech teenager's 63.2% tiebreak record could prove crucial, as this match seems destined for the business end of sets. Mensik's 6-4 record in his last 10 matches suggests better current form than his opponent's 5-5 mark.
Adelaide battles feature contrasting styles
The Machac-Munar showdown presents an intriguing first meeting between two players seeking breakthrough results. Machac enters with the higher ranking but both arrive with identical 4-6 records in their last 10 matches, suggesting neither is in peak form.
The Czech's superior serving power (6.6 aces per match versus 4.7) contrasts with Munar's stronger return game, particularly against second serves where the Spaniard wins 52.8% of points compared to Machac's 49.0%. Crucially, Munar's woeful 2-7 tiebreak record could prove his undoing if this tight contest reaches deciding moments.
Top seed vs. the sensation of 2025 in Adelaide
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina brings superior ranking and experience to his quarterfinal against Valentin Vacherot, but the Monegasque's outstanding 11-3 hard court record over the past year at ATP Tour demands respect, especially including his sensational victorious run in Paris. Davidovich Fokina's 7-3 record in his last 10 matches shows solid form, yet Vacherot's 72.7% break point saved percentage suggests he thrives under pressure. It's the only clash between seeds in Adelaide at this point, with Davidovich Fokina trying to capitalize on his number one place in the draw.
Spizzirri seeks upset against Marozsan
Eliot Spizzirri enters as a significant underdog against Fabian Marozsan, but his 7-3 record in his last 10 matches trumps the Hungarian's 5-5 mark. Spizzirri's 4-2 tiebreak record contrasts sharply with Marozsan's concerning 6-12 mark, potentially offering a path to victory in tight sets.
Thursday's quarterfinals could reshape both tournaments significantly. Upsets from Baez or Mpetshi Perricard would eliminate major title threats, while Vacherot and Spizzirri victories would further open their respective draws. With several matches featuring players in mixed form, expect the unexpected across both venues.