The 2024 season was a standout year for American stars. The likes of Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff excelled on the tour and were among the top stars of the previous season. Another notable name in this regard was Tommy Paul, who had a consistent year, as far as his performances were concerned. With the 2025 season up and running, Paul has already started on a winning note. However, he is set to face a tough test tomorrow.

Paul is in Adelaide to participate at the ATP 250 Adelaide International ahead of the Australian Open. The American star is through to the quarterfinal and will take on the local star, Rinky Hijikata in the last eight.

Tommy Paul vs Rinky Hijikata: Preview

Paul is the top seed at the Adelaide International and a strong favorite to begin his season with a title win. The American star is entering the 2025 season after having won an impressive three titles last year. He was one of the most consistent players on the tour and often made it to the business end of the tournaments. Paul was handed a bye in the opening round of the Adelaide International and notched up a hard-fought win over Manuel Guinard 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the second round. Although he looked rusty in his first match this year, the victory would have eased the nerves of the new season. would look to put on a confident display against Hijikata.

On the other hand, 23-year-old Hijikata is still figuring his way on the ATP circuit, having made his debut just a couple of seasons back. However, his biggest achievement came last year when he reached the US Open fourth round. Hijikata is warming up for the Australian Open by playing in Adelaide. He had lost in the qualifiers, but found himself in the main draw of the tournament because of an injury withdrawal.

After defeating David Goffin comfortably in the first round, Hijikata knocked out the seventh seed, Brandon Nakashima in the pre-quarterfinals. The Australian star would look to continue his giant-killing run when he faces Paul next.

Paul vs Hijikata: Head-to-head

Having made his ATP debut in 2022, it is still early years for Hijikata on the tour. Moreover, he hasn’t featured in many big tournaments on the ATP Tour, apart from a few Grand Slam events. As a result, the Australian star has never come up against Paul and their Adelaide International quarterfinal clash will be the first meeting between the two.

Prediction: Paul to have it easy against Hijikata

Owing to his consistent displays last year, Paul is on the brink of the top 10 rankings on the ATP rankings chart. He is currently placed on the 12th spot. On the other hand, Hijikata lies outside the top 50 and is stationed in the 79th spot on the ATP rankings chart. Additionally, Paul’s stats last year were far superior to Hijikata’s. Paul won an impressive 45 matches while losing 19 matches last year. However, Hijikata could manage just 15 wins while losing 22 encounters.

Paul is temperamentally good as well and knows how to hold his nerves and seize the crucial moments in the match. In his last 16 victory over Guinard, he converted both the break point opportunities while saving 10 out of 11 break points on his serve. He is expected to win the encounter against Hijikata in straight sets and enter the semifinals. Their match will take place tomorrow on the center court.