HSBC Championships 2026: Former champion Tommy Paul makes winning start
• 2 minute read
2024 champion Tommy Paul is up and running at the HSBC Championships with a first round win over lucky loser Zachary Svajda at The Queen’s Club.
After an incredible week of women’s tennis, the ATP 500 event got underway on Monday with the former Australian Open semi-finalist making it safely into round two.
Paul’s level improved throughout his clash but had to save four break points late in the second set before sealing a 7-5, 6-3 victory in an hour and 26 minutes.
The former world No.8 was happy to get through his first grass court match of the season after pulling out of Stuttgart last week.
“The first match on grass is always difficult and then playing Svajda – he’s been playing some great tennis. We’ve practiced together a little bit and know each other’s game but it’s always weird playing someone for the first time.
“I thought I did a pretty good job today. It got a little dicey at the end, but glad to get through that one.”
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The American is one of two former champions in this week’s draw alongside 2012 and 2018 winner Marin Cilic, and will be favourite to repeat that title run this week.
Paul was unable to defend his title last year due to injury and is now on a six-match winning streak at Queen’s.
In the next round, he’ll face Botic van de Zandschulp, who knocked out British qualifier Harry Wendelken 6-4, 7-6(5).
“It’s so good (to be back),” Paul said. “I absolutely love this place. It’s such a nice club, these are the best grass courts in the world, it’s a pleasure to be back.
“It takes a bit to get used to it. A couple of matches to start the grass court season is always a bit slippy and tricky, but I feel comfortable. These grass courts feel real good under my feet.”
Three key stats
- On the attack: Paul was on the attack in 30% of the points during the match
- Clinical in attack: The American also converted at a high rate, winning 72% of points in attack
- Strong serving: Paul had an impressive 81.7% first serve effectiveness rating, winning 87% points on first serve compared to a tour average 72%
It took Paul a few games to properly find his rhythm, but the American had the clinical edge in the defining moments of the first set.
With Svajda serving to stay in the set, Paul showed steely defence to bring up his second break and set point of the match, only for Svajda to drag a forehand wide on the following point.
Paul kept his foot on the gas and broke down Svajda’s backhand in his first service game of the second set to move 2-0 in front.
The 2026 Houston champion had to show his resilience late in the set. Paul had to see off a break point at 4-2 and then come back from 15-40 down on his following service game to close out his first Queen’s victory for two years.
Paul is the eighth seed at the HSBC Championships this week and features in the same quarter of the draw as British No.1 Cam Norrie.
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