Carballes Baena Faces Paul in Australian Open Round of 16 Clash

MELBOURNE, Australia — Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena and American Tommy Paul will clash in the round of 16 at the 2025 Australian Open on Thursday, January 17, in a highly anticipated matchup. Both players are in strong form, having won four of their last five matches, setting the stage for a competitive battle on the hard courts of Melbourne Park.

Carballes Baena, ranked 57th in the world, has shown resilience throughout the tournament. After a shaky start in the first round against Alejandro Tabilo, where he lost the opening set 1-6, the Spaniard rallied to win the next three sets. He followed up with a dominant straight-sets victory over James Duckworth in the second round. Known for his prowess on clay, Carballes Baena has adapted well to the hard courts, reaching the quarterfinals in Auckland earlier this month.

Tommy Paul, the 12th seed and world No. 11, has also been in impressive form. The American reached the semifinals in Adelaide last week, narrowly losing to Felix Auger-Aliassime in three tight sets. In Melbourne, Paul survived a grueling five-set battle against Christopher O'Connell in the first round before defeating former world No. 5 Kei Nishikori in four sets in the second round. Paul, a semifinalist at the 2023 Australian Open, is determined to make another deep run in the tournament.

The two players have met once before, with Carballes Baena winning in four sets during the first round of the 2021 US Open. However, Paul enters this match as the favorite, according to bookmakers, due to his higher ranking and recent performances. Despite this, Carballes Baena’s recent form suggests he could push the American to the limit.

“Roberto has been playing some great tennis this week,” said a tennis analyst. “He’s shown he can handle pressure and adapt to different opponents. This match could be closer than many expect.”

Meanwhile, Paul remains focused on his game plan. “I know Roberto is a tough opponent, but I’m feeling good about my form,” Paul said in a post-match interview. “I just need to stay aggressive and take my chances when they come.”

The winner of this match will advance to the quarterfinals, keeping their hopes alive for a shot at the Australian Open title. With both players in strong form, fans can expect a thrilling encounter on Thursday.