Tommy Paul has made an impressive return to the semi-finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, marking a significant achievement in his tennis career. At 27 years old, he is now the first American to reach consecutive semi-finals in Rome since the legendary Pete Sampras did it back in 1993-94.
Victory Against Hubert Hurkacz
On Thursday, Paul faced off against the powerful Hubert Hurkacz and secured a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory, demonstrating his skill on the court. The match was a rollercoaster, especially in the first set, which saw a total of six breaks before Paul triumphed after nearly two hours of play.
“I always feel at home here,” Paul expressed, noting that he has now improved his record in Rome to 9 wins and 4 losses. “The courts suit my game well, and I’ve been playing great tennis this week.”
This victory is particularly sweet for Paul, who had also beaten Hurkacz in three sets during the same stage last year, bringing his head-to-head record against the Polish player to 3-1. The consistency in his performance highlights his growth as a player and his ability to compete at high levels on challenging surfaces.
Reflecting on the match, Paul said, “Both of us were returning well, and we would have liked to serve better. We put a lot of pressure on each other’s service games. I thought I managed to regroup well during the tiebreak and carried that momentum into the second set.” His insightful analysis of the match showcases his strategic mindset and understanding of the game.
Currently ranked No. 12 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, Paul has a chance to break into the Top 10 if he reaches the final. This potential achievement would further establish him as a prominent figure in the tennis world. He is now waiting to see who he will face next, with the upcoming match between World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Madrid champion Casper Ruud determining his next opponent.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Paul’s performance, eager to see if he can continue his impressive run and possibly secure a spot in the final, solidifying his position as one of the leading American tennis players today.