The Adelaide tournament is in full swing, led by Paul and Tsitsipas, with Fokina aiming for his first title!

The countdown to the Australian Open is getting closer! Starting today Beijing time, the first round of qualifying matches has already begun. Meanwhile, two ATP 250 events are also taking place this week. Let’s take a look at the Adelaide draw, which has slightly less star power compared to the Auckland tournament.

Due to Djokovic’s withdrawal, this Adelaide event features no players ranked in the world’s top ten, marking the first time in the four men’s singles tournaments held this season that no top-ten player is participating.

Fokina, still striving hard for his maiden career title and now ranked 14th in the world, after an early exit in the opening week, has chosen to continue competing. Enjoying a first-round bye, he will face the winner between two local wildcards in the second round.

Also in the same section is the new Shanghai Masters champion, Vacherot, who will face Kecmanovic in the first round. Additionally, the stylish showdown between Korda and Kokkinakis is one of the highlights in the opening round.

The second quarter is led by Dutch number one Griekspoor, whose first opponent will come from the battle between former French number one Humbert and another French compatriot. Furthermore, Brandon Nakashima, who recently reached the Brisbane final for the first time in four years and finished runner-up, has withdrawn at the last minute.

The third quarter is headed by Cerundolo, whose opening match will be against either the tenacious Spaniard Munar or the German veteran Altmaier. Also, the eighth seed Machac will face local wildcard Dakworth in the first round.

The final quarter is led by Paul and Tsitsipas, both of whom have reached the Australian Open semifinals in recent years. The match between American giant Opelka and local favorite Poplin is attracting attention.

Both former semifinalists had disappointing seasons last year; Paul withdrew early due to injury, and his recovery status remains uncertain. Fortunately, his world ranking hasn’t dropped drastically, but the chance to reclaim the US number one spot he briefly held last season is fading.

Although Tsitsipas finally broke his losing streak in ATP 500 finals, his declining performance in other tournaments, especially majors, is evident. This new season, he managed to secure a rare top-ten win over American number one Fritz after more than a year. Could this boost his confidence at the Australian Open?

With few strong rivals present, can Fokina seize this chance to break his title drought? And can the two Australian Open semifinalists revive their form? Let’s wait and see!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Chengqiya)