LENDING HIS SPICY SERVE TO THIS YEAR’S DALLAS OPEN, TOMMY PAUL WILL HIT THE COURTS THIS MONTH. GEARING UP FOR THE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT (SET FOR 02/03- 11), WE DO NOT DOUBT THAT PAUL IS PRECISELY THE ONE TO WATCH. PLEASE REPEAT AFTER ME… GAME… SET… MATCH.
What was the best advice you’ve ever received as a tennis player?
Make every decision throughout your day with your profession in mind.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I feel most proud every time I play in front of the fans in the U.S., especially in the U.S. Open.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Probably getting over the hump of actually becoming a professional. The transition from ITFs to Challenger and Tour events is highly challenging, and it isn’t easy to maintain that consistent level of play.
What is something people would be surprised to learn?
A lot of people are surprised to learn about my mom’s farm. She and my stepdad live on a farm in New Jersey. Whenever I go home to visit, I help take care of the horses, sheep, and chickens, and I am operating the tractor, moving hay barrels – it’s a lot of fun!
What advice do you give young players with the talent to play in college and perhaps further?
Give 100% in everything you do, even when you don’t like it. Always push harder. Mental health in sports has become a vital topic of discussion; how do you maintain your psychological health with such a physically and mentally demanding career? It’s challenging. I think it’s important to have distractions. It would help if you had an outlet to escape the demanding lifestyle for a bit.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF ATP TOUR
