We are not lying if we say that Tommy Paul He has become one of the names of the year 2023. His results at this start of the season are unequivocal: he has reached at least the round of 16 of all the ‘big tournaments’ he has played. Semifinalist in the Open the Australia (where he lost to the champion), finalist at the Acapulco tournament (where he lost to the champion), eighth-finalist at Indian Wells (where he fell just one point away from defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime)… the streak could only continue on the slopes of Florida. He Miami Open 2023 It suits the American, who will face the most difficult yet in the next round, a tall challenge against the number one in the world… who already knows what it is to win.
Because Tommy deactivated and by far the tennis of Carlos Alcaraz in the past Canadian Masters 1000, adding one more victory to his ‘kill list’ of Spaniards. Behind his tremendous progression hides a terrifying fact: Tommy adds a balance of 12 wins in a row against players from our country, including wins over Carlos himself, Raphael Nothingl, Pablo Carreño, Roberto Bautista, Alejandro Davidovich or Albert Ramos. We don’t know if there is a hidden motivation behind it, but we do know that Paul doesn’t want the streak to stop. Beyond the anecdote, this series of victories can be explained by the impressive evolution of the American in the last year and a half, a progression that “does not hide secrets”, according to what he told the ATP.
“I feel that now I get better, I get more free points with my service. I am competing really well, after all there are no secrets in this sport: you have to work very hard, sacrifice yourself and be aware that the effort is enormous both on and off the track. We have been working very hard.”affirms a Paul who also does not hide that, for him, playing tennis is inconceivable if it is not through fun. “It’s different for each player, but for me, on a personal level… I I could not practice this profession if it were not having fun“, reveals a guy who shows it through his style of play. Lighthearted, with bursts of creativity through angles and changes of pace, Tommy moves away from the American bomber prototype and applies many more variations to his tennis.
Another aspect that has become key in his tennis is his good work on the net. This is what his coach confesses, Brad Stinewhich emphasizes the importance of being a complete player and adding in this area, which allows Paul to close trades more quickly. “Little by little he’s gotten better at it, I think he’s volleying really well right now. I think he still has room for improvement, yes. He can still volley better, but I think he’s doing quite well already. Right now his age, I would place among the best volleyers on the circuit“says a guy who gave order and hierarchy to tennis, sometimes out of control.
“NOW HE IS A MUCH MORE SOLID PLAYER”
Paul’s notable evolution in tennis has surprised all and sundry, although many of his peers on the tour were fully aware of his potential. This is how he emphasizes it Taylor Fritzgood friend and generational partner, who explained with his words the reason for Tommy’s progression. “I think a lot of people knew for a long time, myself included, that he’s that good, that this is the level. We all knew that he could show it. he makes a couple of mistakes and gives away a break. He’s a more solid player, more focused, he forces his opponents to win it over. He’s much more solid and I feel that his serve has also improved”.
Ante Carlos Alcaraz You will have a challenge on another level. Few were able to beat the man from El Palmar last season, which will make Carlitos come out with extra motivation. “I enjoy watching him playHe is a really talented tennis player. He makes everything very easy. I like to see these types of players. He moves well, he’s fast, he has great shots, a very good right hand. He is going to be very tough. I know it’s going to be a very tough battle, but I know I’m going to enjoy it.”, sentenced Carlos himself as a preview for a meeting that promises strong emotions. Prepare the popcorn and enjoy the show.
