Tommy Paul Set for Prime-Time Return in Delray Beach Opener Against Moutet
Tommy Paul is back under the lights in Delray Beach, and for good reason. The American has kicked off his 2026 season with the kind of form that suggests his injury-riddled 2025 is firmly in the rearview mirror. Now ranked No. 24 in the world, Paul steps into his opening-round match at the Delray Beach ATP 250 with momentum-and a bit of history-on his side.
Paul’s early-season resume already includes a semifinal run in Adelaide and a fourth-round appearance at the Australian Open, where he bowed out to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. Not bad for a guy still working his way back to peak form.
Delray Beach has been a happy hunting ground for him, too. He reached the final here in 2024, falling to Taylor Fritz, and has made at least the quarterfinals in each of his last three visits.
His first test this week? A tricky one against Corentin Moutet on Tuesday night.
The two have met once before-at the 2024 Paris Olympics-where Paul came through in straight sets, 7-6(5), 6-3. That win came on a big stage, and Paul handled the moment with the kind of composure that’s become a hallmark of his game.
Moutet, ranked No. 34, is a wildcard in more ways than one. His game is unconventional, unpredictable, and often frustrating for opponents.
But he’s also short on match play this season, having only appeared at the Australian Open so far, where he too ran into Alcaraz and was dispatched in straight sets. While Moutet’s quirky style can throw some players off rhythm, Paul’s baseline solidity and athleticism make him a tough matchup for the Frenchman.
If Paul brings the same level he showed in Melbourne and Adelaide, expect him to control the tempo and dictate points, especially under the night lights where he’s proven comfortable before.
Brandon Nakashima Faces Battle-Tested Marin Cilic in Delray Beach Clash
In another compelling first-round matchup, seventh seed Brandon Nakashima takes on veteran Marin Cilic in what promises to be a tight, serve-dominated affair.
This will be just the second meeting between the two. Their first came two years ago in the Hangzhou semifinals, where Cilic edged Nakashima 6-4, 7-6(6).
That match was a turning point for the 2014 U.S. Open champion, who was just beginning his return from significant injury setbacks.
At 37, Cilic continues to defy the aging curve, showing that experience and grit still go a long way on tour.
Cilic has looked sharp early in 2026, compiling a 6-3 record that includes a semifinal run in Dallas. His serve remains a weapon, and his ability to raise his level in clutch moments has been a difference-maker.
Nakashima, meanwhile, is searching for consistency. He reached the final in Brisbane to start the year-an encouraging sign-but has dropped three of his last four matches.
When he’s locked in, Nakashima is one of the cleanest ball-strikers on tour, with a rock-solid baseline game and a serve that can do damage. But against a seasoned competitor like Cilic, he’ll need to bring more than just clean mechanics-he’ll need to match the Croatian’s poise under pressure.
This is the kind of match that could come down to a few points here or there. Both players are capable of holding serve with ease, so expect tiebreaks and long rallies at crucial moments. If Cilic continues to play with the confidence he’s shown so far this season, he may just have the edge in the big moments.
What to Watch For:
- Can Paul continue his strong start to 2026 and maintain his dominance in Delray Beach?
- Will Moutet’s unorthodox game disrupt Paul’s rhythm, or will the American’s consistency win out?
- Is Nakashima ready to take the next step and close out tight matches against elite veterans?
- Can Cilic keep riding the wave of his late-career resurgence?
Delray Beach is serving up some early fireworks, and with these matchups on tap, the opening round is already delivering intrigue-and high-stakes tennis.