Christopher O’Connell Faces Tommy Paul in Australian Open First Round

MELBOURNE, Australia — Christopher O’Connell, ranked No. 64 in the world, will face American Tommy Paul, ranked No. 12, in the Round of 128 at the 2025 Australian Open on Sunday, January 12. The match is set to begin at 11:00 PM ET and will be streamed live on ESPN+ and ESPN2.

O’Connell, an Australian, last competed on September 28, 2024, at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships, where he lost 1-6, 4-6 to Alex Michelsen in the Round of 16. Paul, meanwhile, is coming off a three-set defeat to Tomas Machac (6-2, 3-6, 6-7) in the same tournament’s Round of 16 on September 27, 2024.

The winner of this match will advance to face Japan’s Kei Nishikori, who defeated Thiago Moura in his first-round match. Nishikori’s presence adds further intrigue to the tournament, as both O’Connell and Paul aim to make a deep run in the year’s first Grand Slam.

Paul, one of the top American contenders, is looking to build momentum early in the tournament. O’Connell, though considered the underdog, will have the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd, which could provide a significant boost.

Fans in the U.S. can catch the action live on ESPN+ and ESPN2, with coverage beginning at 11:00 PM ET. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both players vie for a spot in the next round.