Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto ended Quadri Aruna’s thrilling campaign at the 2025 US Smash in Las Vegas with a hard-fought 3–2 victory in their round of 32 clash, extending his head-to-head record over the Nigerian star to 7–2.
The third-seeded Harimoto battled from a 2–1 deficit to defeat Aruna in an intense encounter under the lights of the Maverick Arena. The match, which lasted 37 minutes, saw the world number four prevail 11–1, 8–11, 8–11, 11–8, 11–5 to book a place in the round of 16.
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Aruna endured a tough start, with Harimoto storming into an 8–0 Led and sealed the first game 11–1. However, the African number one bounced back superbly, using his trademark explosive forehand and well-placed serves to claim the second and third games by identical 11–8 margins, stunning the Japanese star and taking a 2–1 lead.
Harimoto, known for his resilience and tactical versatility, regained momentum in the fourth game. Locked at 8–8, he surged ahead to win 11–8, forcing a deciding fifth set.
In the final game, the 22-year-old Japanese prodigy took control early, winning five of the first seven points and maintaining the advantage. Aruna attempted a late comeback, reducing the deficit to 5–9, but Harimoto stayed composed to close out the game 11–5.
This encounter marked the seventh meeting between the pair in six years and the third consecutive match to go the full distance. Harimoto had previously beaten Aruna in straight games at the WTT Star Contender in Doha, while Aruna claimed a memorable 3–2 win in Frankfurt last year.
Despite the defeat, Aruna remains one of the few players to have beaten Harimoto multiple times on the WTT circuit. The Nigerian had come into the match in top form after dispatching China’s Zhou Qihao 3–0 in the opening round.
Statistically, Harimoto won 49 points to Aruna’s 36 and enjoyed a 10-point winning streak in the opening game. Aruna’s longest run was five straight points, but he couldn’t maintain the momentum across all five sets.
Harimoto now advances to the round of 16, while Aruna exits the tournament with his head held high after another spirited performance on the global stage.
