Jessica Pegula’s Wimbledon preparations were given a welcome boost as she won the first grass-court title of her career, saving five match points to do so in Berlin, while compatriot Tommy Paul extinguished Jack Draper’s whirlwind fortnight before ousting Lorenzo Musetti to win big in West Kensington.
THERE is a new top-ranked American in men’s tennis, after 2023 Australian Open semifinalist Tommy Paul scored the biggest title of his career to date at Queen’s Club in London as Wimbledon preparations intensify across both tours before the main draw gets underway next week.
He’ll leapfrog former junior rival Taylor Fritz to world no. 12 after a 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) win over Lorenzo Musetti in today’s finale – the latest rung of progression for a 27-year-old whose confidence has surged after overachieving in Melbourne last season.
Much has been said about his longtime compatriots like Fritz and 2022 US Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe, the latter experiencing a downturn in form as he still gets to grips with a new head coach et al.
Sebastian Korda (23) is younger than all three mentioned and widely regarded as the best of their competitive cohort, though troublesome injuries haven’t helped his case – much like Britain’s Jack Draper – both fell to more seasoned opposition this past week.
Armed with a devastating serve and exciting high-risk, high-reward game, Ben Shelton isn’t far behind either but Americans traditionally aren’t known for their comfortability on the surface.
Korda fell on the turf, Fritz sustained a nasty injury at SW19 three years ago and for all the talk about their serve-bot tactics, Paul has shown over the past two years, he can set a new standard with more consistency.
Quietly, this campaign is proving a new career-best for Paul after reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells and Rome, both prestigious Masters 1000 events on separate surfaces two months apart.
Having won the junior French Open title in 2015, his motivation for the sport waned after jumping the gun by turning pro early – when an opportunity for growth at the University of Georgia beckoned – something many, including Christopher Eubanks and Shelton, have reaped the rewards of.
More analysis to follow shortly…
Picture source: Getty Images
Mo and Sports 