Tommy Paul started off his journey at the US Open 2023 with a convincing 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win over the Italian Stefano Travaglia. The American dominated his service game, hitting 14 aces to Travaglia’s zero. Paul is aiming to be the first American to win the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2003 and looking to end a drought of 20 years. The 26-year-old was asked about his recent victories against Carlos Alcaraz and how that has impacted him.
Speaking to the media after the match, Tommy Paul highlighted the significance of beating Alcaraz not just once but twice in his career, with the most recent win coming at the Rogers Cup. Despite a loss to Alcaraz at the Cincinnati Masters, Paul’s display of skills and resilience proved that he could hold his own against the young Spanish sensation. In his response Paul suggested there’s just been one difference after the fact.
Paul ‘full of confidence’ after beating Alcaraz
Tommy Paul’s run at the US Open began on a high note, with an an important first-round victory against Stefano Travaglia. The American’s determined performance on the court showcased his potential to make a significant impact in the tournament. In his interview after the match, the world number 14, was asked if beating top-ranked players like Carlos Alcaraz increases his believe in himself and the American was quick to say yes.
Tommy Paul admitted that beating Alcaraz has given him the belief that he can go deep in this tournament. He further added that beating player at the top of their game increases his confidence in himself but admitted to have to keep working hard to make it possible. The American believes the only difference he feels is a lot more people ask him about it and he is gaining recognition as a favorite going into games.
“I think beating, like, the people at the top of the game would give anyone confidence really. I think it’s not like now I feel like I’m going to beat everybody or something. Everyone’s good. You have to really compete against every person that you’re playing. I mean, a lot more people ask me about it. That’s pretty much the only difference (smiling).”
Paul and Alcaraz are tied at 2-2 in head-to-head and the fans’ will love to see two of the most in-form players on tour play each other again. With the two players placed in different halves of the draw, a final showdown between them would require Paul to perform exceptionally well throughout the tournament. It would take nothing short of his best tennis to make it to the final and have a shot at redemption against Alcaraz.
Paul’s next hurdle
Tommy Paul will face Russian Roman Safiullin in the second round of the US Open. In their head-to-heads, the Russians has an edge over Paul as he won their only meeting so far, in straight sets at Madrid Masters. However, with current form and the crowd fully behind him, Paul will go into the game as favorite.
Tommy Paul’s victory in the first round and his reflections on his recent triumph over Carlos Alcaraz have added an extra layer of excitement to the US Open. With a potential rematch against Alcaraz looming in the final, the stage is set for Paul to display his mettle and end a 20-year American drought at the US Open.
