New York (AP)— There have been quite a few eye-catching results at the 2024 US Open, and Tommy Paul is becoming one of the surprise stories in Flushing Meadows. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz were just a few of the top seeds dispatched earlier than expected, an entirely open draw that has seen Paul navigate himself through to be a contender for later rounds. The 27-year-old from Voorhees Township, New Jersey, is one of the final four American men left in tennis’ last major tournament before Andy Roddick takes his bows into retirement and John Isner prepares to continue being so confusingly inconsistent—a subject we’ll save for another time.
US OPEN CRISIS: SUPERNATURAL DRAMADRAMA FROM THE US OPEN Uncategorized
Three-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic made a stunning third-round exit to surprise package Alexei Popyrin as the first week of Wimbledon ended in dramatic fashion. The entire grass season has been turned on its head, especially in the men’s draw, with Djokovic now out of the picture as well as other top names such as Spaniard Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti. And this woman has crashed down to a shell whatsoever, which gives way for underdog women like fellow American Tommy Paul an opening rallying renege!
Canadian qualifier in Paul 3rd-rounder, a four-set grind Looking fatigued after perhaps staying up late to catch watching Djokovic’s match the night before, Paul nevertheless would hold his nerve for a win. He admits Olympic fatigue had set in at an earlier stage of the season but insists he has since become ready and re-energized.
“Thank God I had the Olympic fatigue in Canada and Cincy,” Paul said during his post-match interview. “Now I am feeling pretty well. Grass to clay—iit’s a difficult transition in quick succession onto hard courts. But all these guys [Popyrin and others] played unbelievable; they deserved to win.
A Tough Task Facing: Jannik Sinner
It won’t get easier for Paul, as he is set to play against top seed Jannik Sinner in the fourth round. Sinner, who is now world No. Sinner and Paul have met once before on all three surfaces, with Sinner prevailing both times in clay and hard courts, while Paul won their grass battle. Paul is still hopeful as they prepare to square off on the quick US Open courts.
Ahh, we’ve got some good fights,” Paul remembered of his against another guy. “Without a doubt, I mean just go in there and make it nasty for him. Sinner is probably the best ball striker on tour, and I’m not. I didn’t really want to go toe-to-toe, mainly behind the baseline. I want to mix things up.”
Rising from the Shadows
Paul is not like his American brethren, who are fond of the big weapons or flashy play. In reality, his game is all about doing the little things right—moving well and taking smart shots. Amidst the picture you visualise of him on court, his racquet twirling between points and movement like a player who is not in their 30s, comes a different beast. The one that fights through all adversity to make it hard for anyone playing against him.
Once a punchline among critics, the questions about Paul’s effort have been rendered obsolete. In the previous two years, he has become a staple in the Top 20 and climbed as high, basically to No. He has also beaten multiple Top 5 players like Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, and Alexander Zverev, showing he can compete with the best.
A Chance to Shine
Paul faces Sinner in the fourth round on Labour Day at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and he is relishing the moment. “Good thing I play the world No. 1 tomorrow, so don’t know if [I am saying] too much opportunity,’” Paul said with a smile. “But I’m excited for it.”
The underdog: Paul knows he isn’t the favourite and takes pride in it. Will the free-swinging American be able to lighten up and have some fun? Everyone is asking themselves full-wryt.medium.com.
Tommy Paul: A Challenger, Not a Wild Card
But at this level, Tommy Paul is not just another guy entered in the draw. He’s proven this year that he can make deep runs in tournaments, such as the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Yet he captured the Queen’s Club grass court event and took 2nd in Dallas on an indoor hard surface during his career, showing a degree of versatility.
But Paul is resolute in his wish to keep going regardless of any obstacles ahead. “Look, we all want to do really well here. Those guys want to get there; that’s why we’re all out here. It’s been a little bit of role reversal for me because… I love having all the other Americans going deep in tournaments, kind of rolling off each other.
Daniil Medvedev’s thoughts
The former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is also sensing the level of talent Paul has. As for the next match between Sinner and Paul, Medvedev commented: In my opinion, Tommy should easily win. When I say you can ‘easily win,’ that’s not a huge underdog to me if we’re going by how we bet nowadays.
The backing of Medvedev reflects the respect Paul has garnered within his peer group. It’s not just his game but how he upsets the applecart of all tennis’s very biggest names.
Fourth-year Raven Jenkins Does the Midterm Review, UVA Style By Alex Prewitt February 21 A New Chapter for American Tennis: Tabulating Yet Another Tour StopTabulating Yet… By Tom Perrotta Tennis Once Again More Than a Numbers GameMore in NFLSoccer: MLS BaseballLacrosse Although my schedule this quarter is fairly tutor heavy with tennis coverage on top of that, I quickly dreaded Little Friday no longer “hump”ing forward into Thursday Street teams descending upon Grounds.
The best part about Paul’s effort in New York is that it seems to be developing into a wider narrative of the return of American men. So, too, for players like Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe but also Ben Shelton, where Paul represents a new breed of Americans who are now here just to happy take children’s places in the big leagues. They are here to win, and they want it on the biggest stages.
The US Open starts its second week Monday in New York, with the focus on Tommy Paul vs. Jannik Sinner. Get mapping to know American as he faces off against Italian sensation Win or lose, Paul’s run is already thrilling fans and announcing him as a player to watch on tour. The 2020-21 season is about as wide open, and Paul is done waiting.
Might he also rip off the most enormous surprise of them all? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: Tommy Paul can expect no surprises. He is eager to take his shot, and the world will be watching.
